A resource for parents and carers
Ideas for supporting parents/carers, children and young people during Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Supporting autism
Autism and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
https://petervermeulenblog.wordpress.com/2020/03/16/autism-and-the-corona-virus-20-tips/
Helpful Visuals
https://www.autismfl.org/pandemic-corona
School Closure Kit
Scottish Autism Advice Line (general advice not specific to Corona) 01259222022 Tues- Frid 10am-4pm
Dealing with School closure
Movement Breaks
https://www.thirdspace.scot/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/NAIT-Guidance-for-Movement-Breaks-at-Home.pdf
Talking Mat for Social Distancing
https://www.talkingmats.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/20200319-coronavirus-easy-read-pdf.pdf
Ideas for structuring your school day
Although it may be tempting to forget about dealing with routines and structure during this time, it can help children and young people feel safe during periods of uncertainty when there is some structure and routine. Ideas for supporting this include:
- Having set times for going to bed and getting up in the morning where possible.
- Build in times for fresh air and exercise
- Create a variety of activities such as games, art, music, play and reading. Helpful websites include: The Literacy Trust
- https://mailchi.mp/literacytrust/we-are-here-to-help-180381?e=67014ad855
- Limit their time on electronic devices where possible
- Respect each other’s privacy and give space where you can
- Take time to review the day’s activities to help them get a sense of accomplishment.
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Helpful websites
http://www.southendlearningnetwork.co.uk/educationalpsychology
If you child has additional support needs
CALL Scotland
https://www.callscotland.org.uk/Home/
Clicker – literacy resources
https://www.cricksoft.com/uk/clicker/free-trial
Boardmaker Online – free trial
https://goboardmaker.com/pages/software-trials
MyStudyBar – A suite of portable Windows freeware applications assembled into one package to support learners with literacy difficulties.
https://www.callscotland.org.uk/mystudybar
Taking Care of Yourself
During this time, you may have your own worries and feel stress. This is normal and it is important that you acknowledge your own feelings. Some other tips for self-care are:
- Get out in the fresh air and exercise when you can.
- Focus on practical things you can control e.g. wash your hands
- Maintain connection with others through calls and social media.
- Build in daily activities that you enjoy and help you relax
- If you do feel stressed and anxious – take time and be kind to yourself.
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You can find a free selection of relaxation, sleep and other resources to support your wellbeing on the “weathering the Storm” section of the Headspace App.
Other helpful websites include:
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
https://www.actionforhappiness.org/
https://www.parentingacrossscotland.org/
Talking to children about Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Children will have heard of coronavirus and may have questions that they would like answered. It is important that they hear the key messages from someone they trust such as yourself. Here are some tips to help you to talk to them.
- Listen to your child’s concerns and ensure you acknowledge their worries.
- Focus on answering you child’s questions with factual information where you can.
- It is ok to say that you don’t know the answer to questions but that you can try to find out for them.
- Remember children learn from your response so try to stay calm when you are answering their questions.
- Try and give practical guidance when you can e.g. how to wash hands.
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(Adapted from British Psychological Society. You can find the full guidance at:
Social Story for Older Children
https://carolgraysocialstories.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Pandemics-and-the-Coronavirus.pdf
Helpful sites for Young People
https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/what-to-do-if-you-re-anxious-about-coronavirus/
https://young.scot/campaigns/national/coronavirus
Useful Numbers
Please refer to the council main website for daily updates
https://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19
If you have a Child Protection concern please contact:
https://www.dundeeprotectschildren.co.uk/
You can also call Dundee Educational Psychology Service for advice on supporting your child’s wellbeing:
Telephone 01382 432980
Accessibility and Inclusion Service for advice and on supporting your child
mailto:accessibility.inclusion@dundeecity.gov.uk
