For parents with neurotypical kids, it’s hard getting everyone accustomed to the new routines of daily life. For parents with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the challenge may seem insurmountable. Here are some tips to help you take advantage of the extra time you have with your child.

Create A Unified Parental Front

Whether your child lives in one household or a split home, creating a unified front will help extinguish behavioral issues faster than being on opposite teams. Teamwork is essential to make your life easier and to keep your child from feeling overwhelmed by the confusion and stress of a new routine. Both neurotypical kids and atypical kids will sense any gaps in your parental armor, and they will try to exploit it. Basic ground rules help create stability in your child’s life and, during trying times, will help them learn the proper coping mechanisms needed to face future challenges in life.

Continue Therapy If Possible

A quarantine suggests the end of appointments for the majority of any nonessential and essential health check-ups. For children with ASD who are actively being treated by therapists, canceling can do more harm than good. As long as the therapist is healthy and willing to see your child, I’d recommend that your child continue any necessary therapy to ensure that their progress doesn’t diminish. If face-to-face therapy isn’t available, virtual therapy may work (Skype). Virtual therapy may actually work better for some children on the spectrum.

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Create A New Routine for Consistency

Implementing a new routine as soon as possible is essential for a smoother transition for your ASD or ADHD child. The kids that fall into these two categories often do much better with structure, as it gives them a sense of control. Kids with autism are especially prone to seeking situations in which they have more control over their environment, as uncertainty drives anxiety and stress.

Reduce Total Screen Time

Kids these days are using iPads and mobile devices sooner early in life than any generation before them. For parents with ASD and ADHD children, screen time should be monitored even more strictly than for neurotypical kids for two main reasons. First, screen time acts as a stimulant for children. Stimulants are generally poorly tolerated by kids with autism. They can make the child more irritated and exacerbate their sensory issues and behavioral issues. Second, screen time has been shown to decrease the development of social and communication skills in both neurotypical and atypical children.

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