We finally got to say adieu to 2020…but the pandemic continues to rage on as we march through another year.
After nearly a year of social distancing and quarantines, most of us are probably feeling pretty low.
For those on the spectrum, the distress that often comes with disruption to routine is now something more universally experienced by all.
That said, while the pandemic has brought this change to everyone, the shift in daily activities, routines, and expectations can be particularly frustrating for young children with autism (and their families).
When school is virtual, many families are struggling to provide the type of support their children received in school while also managing a work/life balance.
It’s enough to make child and parent want to pull their hair out.
In this PreK Teach and Play podcast episode, autism expert Barb Avila and I explore how we can help children stay regulated and engaged during this pandemic.
During our conversation, we examine…
- How to “calm a storm” by getting children safe, being visually non-threatening, observing children’s body language, and making a bid for connection
- Factors that cause the body to become dysregulated
- Why it’s important to shift the mindset from behavior compliance to co-regulation
- How boundaries make children feel more secure
Listen Now
Click here to download the transcript for this episode.
SHOW NOTES
The Sun Diagram [free course]- A visual tool for supporting children and/or those on the spectrum to recognize and choose across different options.
- The Sun Diagram: Visual Choices for Tough Times [blog]– Short video and ten-step process for implementing the sun diagram strategy.
Teach Before The Peak of the Storm course – This course takes you through what to do when the proverbial sh*t hits the fan, including when the storm is brewing, the middle of the storm, and what to do afterwards. The course is co-taught by Barb Avila and Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak.
Barbara Avila is the owner and lead consultant at Synergy Autism Center. With over 30 years of experience in the autism field, she specializes in connecting with people on the autism spectrum and coaching parents to become better guides for their children of any age. Barbara holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master’s degree in developmental disabilities. She was a certified RDI consultant from 2005-2018 and is also Level 1 Gottman trained. She has worked as a teacher, international trainer, behavior specialist, group-home parent, and has volunteered with many organizations, including the Autism Society of Oregon and Fidgetech. or more information about her work at Synergy Autism Center, please visit: www.synergyautismcenter and www.curiositytoyou.