Mum’s advice on how to discuss Coronavirus with autisitc children

Meta Auden, whose daughter Kirsty,19, is autistic, said communicating with children on the autistic spectrum is essential given they are seeing so much on the news and online about Covid-19.

“We are bombarded on the news and online with this unfolding crisis,” she said. “But we mustn’t let it overwhelm our children. It is crucial that we take the time to understand it ourselves and communicate appropriately.”

Meta, who owns Spectra Sensory Clothing, which produces clothes specifically for children on the spectrum, added:“It will be the case that they have questions and we must not try and sugar coat what is a serious matter, especially as it may affect relatives that your child has an attachment to.”

And, as Meta explained it can be a challenge in terms of how the information is conveyed.

“The other thing about a child on the spectrum is they take everything very literal,” she explained. “The first time Kirsty heard the expression ‘it‘s raining cats and dogs’ she fully expected to see that.

“When the Prime Minister started an update with the words ‘some of you will die and many die before their time’ I can fully see why those words would impact on a child who looks at the world that way.”

Meta and her husband fostered then adopted Kirsty, and whilst they knew she had ADHD, it was later she was diagnosed with being on the autistic spectrum disorder that they began to understand Kirsty’s behaviour.

But she warns that each child on the spectrum will be different.

“When you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism,” Meta said.

She added it is important parents of children on the spectrum keep in touch during the spread of Covid-19.

“If you have a friends network reach out to it through your phone, the internet or social media.

“There is a lot of comfort to hear ‘I know what you mean’ from another parent.

With the daily news cycle and daily updates Meta hopes that parents will avoid situations that will increase stress.

“We all want to know the latest information as it emerges, but the round the clock media coverage can be overwhelming for adults let alone for children with autism,” said Meta. “You need to limit their exposure to it.’’

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