It’s been quite an adjustment for families of autistic children as their kids are thrown off their needed routine while staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alina Cameron is with Northern Autism Families Matter and says her child is having a difficult time with everything.
“She honestly does not under understand why we’re home and she misses her friends. She doesn’t understand how tele-communication works. She recognizes the faces but she doesn’t realize she can interact with them.”
Cameron notes the progress made in communications has fallen back.
“Much harder within the home to help your child make it through the day. They are more upset. They are unable to control their emotions.”
Cameron says autistic children can also have a difficult time understanding why community services are shut down.
She adds despite news of trucks continuing to deliver to grocery stores, some families have trouble finding specific items due to food intolerance issues and allergies or just a lack of goods.
Cameron points out this is a common problem and not exactly tied to the coronavirus.
Cameron acknowledges the health crisis has put their quest for better programming from the government somewhat on hold.
