Let’s start with the ugly truth. This is not going to be easy. Keeping a ‘typical’ child busy is hard enough. But, with a few simple tricks, you just might be able to ensure that both you and your little monster are productive while we wait out the Coronavirus.
Keep Them Contained
You’re probably reading this and thinking I’m insane. Which might not be an inaccurate assumption. One of my biggest personal learnings is that autistic kids are incredibly aware of when a parent is not paying attention. And that’s when they strike. So, while you’re working you will want to limit their ability to wreak havoc on your home (and themselves) when they’re out of sight. Setup your home office in a room that you can lock from the inside to keep them close by. Adding a childproof lock to the inside is a simple hack to keep them in. Check out my previous post on locks for autistic kids.
Give Them a Dedicated Space
Setup a table or desk just for them. This is where we’ll set our trap … err, I mean activities.
Invest in LCD Writing Boards
Avoid the mess of a chalkboard. I’m also not a fan of the mini-whiteboard because kids often forget to put the caps back on.
The maintenance-free alternative, is a “Boogie Board” or LCD writing tablet.
You can get the generic version on Amazon for around $20. I highly recommend the model where the pen has an integrated loop to attach to something.
Pick Up Some Kinetic Sand
This one deserves at least a mention. Although I’m not a 100% fun of it, it beats the vigilance you need to prevent play-do drying out. And it will keep them busy for hours at a time. Just invest in a few plastic knives and cookie cutter shapes.
Be advised though – unless you have a sandbox, it’s going to eventually make its way off the table and throughout the entire room.
Grab Some Wireless Headphones
Wireless noise-cancelling headphones are an absolute must if you need to jump on a call. Pair it to your phone, TV, or tablet as needed. We’ve found that even without the audio, the noise cancelling features provide a calming effect for our little guy.
I did a review on a pair of Mpow Wireless Headphones that have a good balance of price for quality. Check it out.
