COVID and Autism Schedules

Okay, so here we go again. I’m down with Covid once more. Covid and autism schedules are hard when you’re sick. Attempting to quarantine myself to prevent anyone else from falling ill, but Jacob doesn’t quite grasp the concept. He’s eager to burst into my room with his repertoire of movie quotes or to share his latest Amazon wishlist item. Thank goodness for the marvels of modern technology, allowing us to order groceries online and swing by for contactless pick-up. I’ve stocked up on all of Jake’s essentials, but I seriously need a guard dog or a lock on my door. Even my poodle, loyal as she is, is more into playtime than patrol duty.😷👦🏼🧩

A schedule helps when you get Covid!

Tip 1: Embrace Online Grocery Shopping

My first tip? Embrace the wonders of online grocery shopping. Find a convenient store that allows you to order online and pick up your groceries without leaving your car. Harris Teeter our favorite grocery store, has drive thru pickup. Covid, did not beat us here! Alternatively, services like Insta cart can deliver groceries straight to your doorstep. It’s a game-changer, trust me. 🛒💻

Jacob has inventory of all his favorite staples and always tells me what to get on my way out the door! We have started taking him for a weekly grocery store trip just for him! Peanut butter, cereal and milk and Harris Teeter’s chocolate chip cookies. 🍪

Master the Art of Quarantine

Tip 2:

Secondly, quarantine like a pro. Social stories that you can give to help the child understand to stay away when someone is sick with Covid. https://autismlittlelearners.com/autism-little-learners-covid-social-stories/ Learn from my mistakes and ensure that your quarantine zone is strictly off-limits. Unfortunately, my attempts at barricading the door were futile, and Jacob made himself right at home. Coming in and grabbing my iPad to show me what he wanted from Amazon. Make sure your space is off-limits and enlist the help of family members to enforce the rules.🔒🚫

Stick to Routine

Tip 3:

Thirdly, stick to your routine. If you’re lucky enough to have your child on a schedule, routines are a lifesaver. Covid and autism schedules? Covid is not as bad with a child who already has a schedule laid out! Need help with that? Check out this post: 3 Ways Jacob’s Monthly Calendar and Daily Schedule Work on Autism Island! Not only do they give you the rest you need to heal, but they also provide a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. And don’t forget to stock up on essentials like ibuprofen and Alka Seltzer Cold and Flu to help you weather the storm.⏰🔄 Here’s another blogger on schedules: https://www.healthline.com/health/visual-schedule-autism

Stay Prepared and Stay Strong

In times like these, preparation is key. Having Jake’s weekly work organized in zippered bags and his clothes laid out for the week has been a game-changer. This solved the problems of being sick with Covid and having to worry about schedules for autism. It takes the guesswork out of our daily routine and gives me the peace of mind I need to focus on getting better.💪🧼

Here’s a helpful resource I stumbled upon that offers tips on managing schedules during remote learning: [Remote Learning Round-Up: Schedules & Routines]. https://medium.com/swlh/remote-learning-round-up-schedules-routines-30c08ea0dde2

Stay healthy, stay safe, and remember to take care of yourself, too.

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