The coronavirus pandemic has created a number of additional challenges for the parents of children with autism or other special needs. The new mandates across the United States requiring everyone over the age of two to wear masks in public settings can be uncomfortable at best and triggering at the worst for those with sensory issues and/or difficulty adjusting to changes in routine. Autistic children in particular can feel overwhelmed with anxiety about breathing or seeing other in masks, or uncomfortable with the feeling of the masks on their mouth, nose or ears. There are ways to help.
What Can Parents and Caretakers Do to Help?
You can take a few steps to reduce the stress and discomfort that comes with mask wearing. To begin, talking with your child about it can help. The next thing that you can do is allow them to get familiar with masks. After that, have a trial run with different types of masks to find the most comfortable fit. Problem solve as necessary, and incorporate wearing masks into the regular routine. Here is a closer look at each step.
- Talk about it. Explain why it is important to keep themselves and others protected during this pandemic. Using a social story can help children see it in a positive light, and can help them to accept it as something others around them will also be doing. Using more than one social story or an activity can also help make the point and explain expectations. You can also demonstrate using their favorite toys and model wearing a mask yourself. Be honest about the discomforts, so that they don’t feel alone in disliking having to wear them. Let them know that it is worth it to you to keep everyone safe. Autism New Jersey has a number of helpful links to help parents communicate and help kids cope with masks.
- Let them get to know masks. Allow your child to touch and hold a mask with their hands. Gradually have them touch the mask to their face and then try wearing it, even if only for a minute at first. Show them how to properly put on and remove them. Considering doing this with a few different kids’ masks and increasing the amount of time wear very gradually.
- Go out for a test. Pick a location that is not crowded and does not have a lot of noise, lights or other potential triggers. Wear masks and see how it goes for a short period of time, such as 15 minutes. If you need to make a change in the size, type or texture of the mask, do so for added comfort.
- Add it to the routine. If you have a visual schedule add a picture of a mask before going out. Try to normalize it as much as possible, and incorporate it into any other type of dressing or packing activity you would normally do before leaving home. Even if you will be able to social distance and won’t need to use it, make it routine.
Problem Solving
Allow time for feedback. Let you child express to you, as best they can, about how they are dealing with masks. Make sure that they know you understand how they feel and be patient. Not every child will easily adapt, and it may take daily effort over a period of time. Avoid pressuring them or forcing the mask if they are truly against it after extended efforts.
Teach them how to properly wash their hands, and stay at home when possible. Be sure to cover social distancing. The Autism Educators website is offering a free download that covers social distancing.
Chesley Maldonado is a private tutor and freelance writer. She has been writing professionally for over ten years, and has been in education for nine years. As the homeschool mom of an autistic child, she brings a unique perspective to education and writing.