An unexpected silver lining for some

Sorry for various typos

One of our GC is on the spectrum and is so happy and relaxed.

My adult grandson is on the spectrum too. He is feeling happier. Your right it’s because he’s not expected to be sociable, plus he’s really good at following simple instructions to the letter. I’ve posted this on another thread he is however worried about his grandad and me because all the information says old people are more likely to get the virus. It’s no use telling him that we are not that old.

Im not on the spectrum (as far as I know) but my first reaction when the restrictions came in was relief:
We are no contact with someone and I live with a background of anxiety that they could show up on the doorstep at any time. And for the first time ever I could be certain that that wouldnt happen.

I have had a lot of anxiety about CV since, but it has lifted that low level threat that always lurked.

NC is GUARENTEED now which is a huge relief if there is someone you do not wanr contact with

I’m sorry I couldn’t disagree with this more.
Having an adult autistic son myself , the lockdown has had a major negative effect on him. He is unsettled because of the change in routine of his usual day. He is stressed over all the news on the tv, because you cannot physically stop someone from putting the tv or the radio on. He keeps asking when it will be over, what will happen to him if we die ? Because of the difficulties with shopping we haven’t been able to get things he usually likes.
Autism is characterised by rigidity in thought and behaviour. The changes that have happened now have had profound effects on his mental health. We know four other families with adult autistic children and all are having similar problems. There is a big difference between a person with high functioning Aspergers and someone with autism, particularly if it’s associated with learning difficulties.
Two of my son’s friends have had to go on anti depressants since the lockdown.
Far from having a similar lining we have been worried to death as it is less than two years since our son we discovered was planning to kill himself.

Apologies, that should read silver lining

By coincidence I’ve just read about a young girl with high functioning Aspergers who committed suicide in March due to stress concerning the coronavirus.

For the families with members on the spectrum who are happy and well, I’m glad for you.
For many of us with severely affected loved ones - let’s pray this is over soon.
And Jane10 - how kind of you to reach out and contact your past clients. You have a good heart -

Swizzywhiz my severely autistic and learning difficulties teenage grandson is also affected very negatively. His anxiety levels have gone through the roof, he's upset the whole world is sick, can't cope with not seeing us for his regular visits. His ordered lifestyle has been turned upside down and he hates it. I'm glad some are finding it easier.

If you've met one person with autism you've met one person!! They are all different. Degree of cognitive impairment has a major effect on how a person copes in life.
Routine and structure are very important for many but others can feel trapped in a routine that they don't actually like, they just do it because that's what they've always done. This enforced change and reduction in social pressure has been wonderful for some. One chap in his middle age wants me to phone once a week as he likes someone to 'report to'. Fine by me. I don't have a good heart I just enjoy the refreshing company of people who think rather differently from most of us.

I haven’t met one person with autism, I’ve met hundreds over the last 40 years.
But everyone autistic or not is unique and different and of value.
I’m surprised that you are still in touch with your clients. In all these years I’ve never known anyone, doctor/ed psych/ speech therapist/support worker/special needs coordinator/classroom assistant to name but a few who’s ever done that !!

That's my point swizzywhiz- they are all different--not one is the same!
Working with adults I've had a different experience from those who see children. My experience is with people aged up to 80+ and running groups for people over 40. Much easier to stay in touch.

I still think you’ve got a good heart Jane10

Yes, all different of course, bound to be.
Our teenage DGS ( autism, high achieving) is relaxed and happy being home schooled with nothing to worry him, although he is missing seeing us.We facetime and send emails.

My autistic GS is also suffering badly with anxiety and depression since all this happened. He was already on Sertraline but was making such good progress his dosage had been lowered quite a bit. Now his levels are back up and in fact even higher than before. He has self harmed and was suicidal a couple of years ago. He is now 19 and has just recently been moved from childrens services (which wasnt bad in their area) to adult provision which is terrible there.

Yes HAZBEEN- that's a very familiar situation. Families think services while at school are bad enough but just wait till they're out of education! One parent told me that leaving children's services was like stepping off a cliff.

Large reduction in pollution. The subject of small children in pushchairs being at the same level of vehicle exhausts has come up again. They will definitely benefit.

Jane my daughter ended up home schooling my GS as for all primary school level the assistance and support was great, at comprehensive level there was next to none. So from the middle of the first year there she had to take him out. Then of course no help as he fell through the cracks! She had to fight for anything. Then she moved to another local authority area and bingo there was support. Now though the same authority do not have much in the way of adult provision,

Dinahmo, it isn't just the children who are benefiting. I have asthma and some lung damage so am checking my peak flow regularly at the moment. It has gone up and today went up even further. I put it down to no planes travelling overhead to the nearby airport, very few cars and some of the factories have closed. It's an ill wind............

I have a gc who is more chilled out, less challenging than ever before. This thread makes me think that there might be something in what I have previously suspected.

At school, class time can be fine. Rules and structure. From my discussions with adults it's the breaks that are the problem. The nightmare of the playground with so many unwritten rules that all the other children seem to understand. The dining hall filled with sensory overloads plus even more unwritten social rules. No wonder some of your DGC seem calmer at home.

I'm high functioning Asperger. I'm fine with being alone and I don't have a problem with the change of routine. I'm running support groups (Aspie and other) online. A close friend is also high functioning Asperger and is having problems with the change of routines. I'm trying to give encouragement and keeping a routine of chatting online.

Like Jane 10 I still keep in touch with all the many parents and the children on the spectrum that were in my special support unit. I am still so interested in how they all managing in life over the last 20 years (I met them all aged 4 or 5). I am so happy to see them now if I bump into them in the supermarket or town and they all seem very happy to see me. It's what makes teaching so worthwhile.

People on the spectrum are just like us .... different from each other ......some will manage some won't. Most are financially badly off and will have trouble organising themselves and need support which social isolation will make difficult ....a close family member is on the spectrum

My unemployed son has managed to get a few hours of casual work, so that's been a bonus.