In The Pandemic World #
During the peak of the pandemic period, everyone had to stay in their homes. Only obligatory grocery shopping or people with pets were allowed outside their homes. Many people complained about being closed at home during the pandemic and not being able to see a human face or interaction. People tried various hobbies to spend their time, but after a while, they got bored of them too. Since their workplaces were closed, employees were running their business online, while children whose schools were closed were following their lessons online. Children and adults were dragged into socially distant life. Even those who are mentally well stated that their mental health was greatly affected during the pandemic, and they started to receive psychological support after the pandemic. Worrying about what will happen in the future, in short, uncertainty has been one of the most important feelings that made people nervous in this period.
Individuals With Autism In Pandemic #
The pandemic has also affected people with disabilities. In this article, I would like to focus on individuals with autism in particular. The pandemic has significantly affected children with autism, both themselves and their families. In the course of the pandemic, it became difficult for children with autism to access special education and support services. Although online education was tried to be provided, children with autism had to receive an education without social interaction. This situation caused them to become lonely and stressed. And this type of mode can affect autistic children more than a healthy child. This stress indirectly affected their families as well. No matter how much parents who want to save their child from this situation try to do their best, unfortunately, this was not possible under the conditions of the pandemic.
In addition, the disruption of the daily routines of individuals with autism also affected them negatively. These routines, which they practice during the day and form a large and important part of their lives, have been reduced to a minimum due to the pandemic. As a result, disruption of their routines became a separate source of stress for individuals with autism. In addition, as they return to the “new normal”, individuals with autism will have to undergo a new adjustment period again. And unfortunately, this will not be easy for them.
The Bright Side #
However, on the bright side, maybe there are some advantages to staying home during the pandemic. In this interval of time, people who could not normally spend much time with their families were “forced” to spend time with them, thanks to the rules. And maybe they spent the time they didn’t have in their lives in the pandemic. The same is true for individuals with autism. Families were able to spend more time with their autistic children, siblings, or other relatives. And of course, the bonds of love, which are very important for individuals with autism, were reinforced with their families.
The negative effects of the pandemic are endless. But we cannot ignore its positive effects. The pandemic may have been an opportunity for those who cannot spend time with their families, who complain about being busy, or who want to take time for themselves. This pandemic process can also be turned into a positive aspect for individuals with autism if special attention is paid to them.
Hoping to return to our “normal” life as soon as possible…
