The current crisis is particularly challenging for children and young people with SEND along with their families and the people who support them. It can be a frightening time for children who may not understand all the changes that are happening around them. There are lots of online resources online to support your children and young people at this time. You could use social stories to explain the sudden changes, using a visual timetable can help children understand the routines and there are lots of activities you can do at home to support your child’s sensory needs if they need it.
The Government has published guidance in supporting vulnerable children and young people. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-vulnerable-children-and-young-people
The National Autistic Society have published guidance on how to support your child with autism during this time. https://www.autism.org.uk/services/helplines/coronavirus.aspx
Mencap – have produced an easy read guide to Coronavirus https://www.mencap.org.uk/sites/default/files/2020-03/Information%20about%20Coronavirus%20ER%20SS2.pdf
Carers UK – Guidance for carers https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/health/looking-after-your-health/coronavirus-covid-19
Covibook – an interactive resource designed to support and reassure children aged 7 and under, designed to help children explain and draw the emotions that they might be experiencing during the pandemic https://www.mindheart.co/descargables
Contact – resources for families with disabled children.
Resources to support
https://carolgraysocialstories.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Pandemics-and-the-Coronavirus.pdf
https://search3.openobjects.com/mediamanager/biborough/directory/files/washing_hands_symbols.pdf
https://www.firstdiscoverers.co.uk/sensory-activities-children-autism/