What You Can Do for Your Child During Quarantine

Guest Authored By Justine C, MOT, OTR/L

We want to ensure you and your child are able to maintain a sense of normalcy due to the unpredictability of COVID-19. Chances are children may be asked to stay safe and at home due to being exposed. Changes in routine can be especially challenging for children with developmental conditions such as autism, ADHD, down syndrome, and sensory processing disorders. Here are some strategies for what you can do for your child during times of quarantine.

Provide your child with a consistent schedule

Stick to the same wake up time and bedtime routine
Stay as close as possible to their daily schedule
Have visual or written schedules of your child’s daily routine to refer to so they know what to expect throughout their day

Provide them a dedicated time for play and movement breaks

Opportunities to engage in a fun hobby or relax
Having breaks from the structured daily routine can be helpful to reset your child’s mind and increase their attention.

Check in with them and talk about the conversation

Parents/caregivers can have a conversation with their child to validate and empathize with them on how they are feeling

Reach out to your therapists for support and ideas

Creating an obstacle course with household items
Fun sensory activities such as messy play

Don’t forget to take care of yourself!

Find ways to take your own break throughout the day to reset
It is completely okay if there are days where only 1 structured activity was completed or none at all. Especially during times when someone is sick, it is important to rest and recover first and foremost!

Don’t forget to reach out to your BBD therapists who are available for virtual sessions to brainstorm ideas during times of quarantine!