Briano Di Rezze:
I definitely think that children should be getting outside, especially in these summer months and we know that COVID transmission is low outdoors.
With regards to teaching children about physical distancing, each child will differ in what ways that are most effective for them to learn. This will also depend on their developmental age.
However, many children with autism respond well to instructions when they are framed as “rules”.
The concept of physical distancing can be tough for any child to understand but working together with the child to establish visual cues for physical distancing could be a good way to talk about the “rules”.
With some of the young children in my family, I have tried to show them what one metre looks like with my legs wide apart and had them come up with things that were about equal in distance.
The rules around this can be discussed as important during this unique time and will not always be the case forever. I also think that it is important to reassure children that these rules are meant to keep everyone healthy so that they can enjoy the summer months!
