QUEZON CITY, Sept. 8 (PIA) -- Parents of children with disabilities are facing additional challenges with the restrictions and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Social distancing or social isolation has led to a lack of daily routine and structure -- this will cause behavioral problems in addition to the existing ones," said Dr. Joselyn C. Alonzo-Eusebio, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician during a recently conducted webinar of the National Council on Disability Affairs.
Dr. emphasized that making adjustments to routines, like experiencing closure of schools and daycare centers, social distancing, and/or confinements to home will really pose a real struggle for children with physical and mental disabilities.
"The behavioral responses of these children with disabilities are more or less the same for children in general but to a greater degree because, to start with, they already have behavioral problems that they are exhibiting," she said.
She added that parents of children with special needs, especially now, are faced with multiple roles -- as a parent, teacher, playmate -- with all members of the family at home due to community restrictions amidst the pandemic, are all causing stress that can negatively affect children.
How will parents handle these challenges?
Dr. Eusebio shares the following tips to parents with children with disabilities:
- Explain the current situation as clear/transparent as possible but to an extent that is appropriate to the age and developmental challenges of a child; do not over-explain so not to share too much information that may just not be understood by the child; and, always fact-check what you will teach your child about COVID-19
- Talk to your child, and keep it positive -- say the behavior you want to see, be specific, be gentle, give a lot of praise
- Provide structure -- create a flexible but consistent daily routine, involve the child when doing this to expect cooperation
- Model good behavior -- i.e as following health and safety protocols; children like imitating what they see from their parents
- Establish hope by telling them that we will return to a safe environment, will have restoration of essential services, and a gradual return to normal pursuits (work for parents, school/play for children); children need to feel safe and free from fear
- Parents should take care of themselves to be able to take care of their children; primary caregivers should engage in activities for their own well-being, relaxation, and happiness. (MCG/PIA-IDPD/JCAE)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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