How the Pandemic Has Affected Persons with Autism

January 22, 2021

There’s no denying that the ongoing pandemic has greatly affected our way of life. Quarantines, lockdown restrictions and safety protocols have changed how we communicate, work, learn, move around and go about our daily chores. We’ve changed habits and modified routines just to adapt to the so-called ‘new normal’. While these preventive measures apply almost to everyone, even to persons with disabilities, we should keep in mind that it might take them extra time and need more attention to adjust.

COVID 19 has also been very overwhelming to persons with autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that impacts a person’s learning, thinking and problem-solving abilities. Sa physical aspect, nothing sets them apart from others, pero kapansin-pansin na ang mga taong may ASD have different ways of communicating, interacting, behaving, and focusing on things.

creative autistic

ASD conditions may vary from person to person. Some are classified as gifted while the others are severely challenged.

Therapy treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder are usually done face-to-face but with the ongoing pandemic, how do you think they and their families cope with the situation? Here are some ideas that you may consider in order to provide support to your loved ones with ASD.

1. Create daily routines at home. Families supporting individuals with autism may work hand in hand with therapists in order to guide them on how the activities or exercises can be done at home. There are also some online resources and information that can be used as reference.

Statistics show that the decrease in extracurricular activities of persons with autism has caused some change in behavior and developed anxiety, irritability or impulsivity.

Help them be the best they can be. Kaya ‘yan! Mahabang pasensya lang ang kailangan.

2. Educate them about COVID-19. As much as possible, talk to them about the virus and what harm it can do to their body. Prepare some visuals, showing how to properly wash their hands, not to touch their face and keep a distance from other people when outside.

3. Provide them with lifetime protection. Life insurance plays a very important role for families who support a loved one with autism. This is to ensure their future and guarantee continuous treatment even when you are no longer around.

As we celebrate the 25th National Autism Consciousness Week, Paramount Direct takes measures to #redirect awareness, understanding and acceptance of this developmental disability. If you notice any signs of autism among your loved ones, consult a doctor or a developmental psychologist immediately. Symptoms may appear during the early stages of childhood and these are:

Inability to do eye-to-eye contact. Nahihirapan silang tumitig at makipag-engage sa taong kausap nila because they have a short attention span.
Repeating or echoing of words. They may be overwhelmed with what they hear. Naririnig ka nila kung may tinatanong ka pero mapapansin mong uulitin lang nila yung sinabi mo kahit paulit-ulit mo nang itinuro kung ano ang isasagot nila.
Having trouble adapting to routine changes. People with ASD don’t like changing schedules, going somewhere new, having visitors in your house, cancelling activities, etc. Kung may ganitong pangyayari, it is advisable to prepare them in advance para alam na nila what to expect.
Difficulty in coordinating their movements. Their motor skills are affected as well. That’s why they’re clumsy, have trouble maintaining their posture and balance. Their movements are often asymmetrical. For example, when walking, yung muscle actions sa left side ng body nila ay hindi coordinated with the right side.

Head on over to www.paramountdirect.com to know more about our products and learn how you can continue to provide even for your loved ones with Autism in case you pass away. Huwag matakot harapin ang future kasama sila. Mas mabuting maging handa kesa mag-balewala.

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