The Big C - Life in Lockdown from an Autism Spectrum Perspective

The world is upside down right now. Everything is cancelled or postponed, nearly everything is shut, there’s this eerie at-mosphere and queues and tape all over the supermarket. Oh and there’s a lack of pasta on the shelves. 

Routines are generally out of whack. I’ve kinda been given barely any notice from work about coming back in and that worries me. Basically neurotypical people are experiencing just what autistic life is like. Suddenly behaviours which were weird are now considered necessary! 

It’s ok to not be ok. 

So you can’t keep to your routine, see the people you’re close to and worst of all the things you were looking forward to have been postponed. A lot of people are not ok right now and it’s ok to feel like that. It’s ok get frustrated at people for not giving you alone time, to be annoyed that you’re unable to stick to food routines, to feel disappointed having to wait to watch football again and to miss your routines. 

Ok everything is upside down what now? 

I've barely seen any advice about this situation for people on the spectrum. While these things haven't 100% worked with me they have kind of helped at least. Maybe they help you. 
​
1. Keep a routine 
Anything you can put into routine is a bit of a help. Set aside time for certain things each day or week. 

2. Remember to get dressed 
Staying at home doesn’t mean slacking on hygiene. Shower-ing and washing your hair helps. Getting dressed and putting yourself together sets you in a different mindset. 

3. Keep connected 
Try and set up group chats (voice or text) and check in on people. You could play games or maybe a group watch of something. 

4. Positive news 
It is difficult to shut everything off about the big C because often we like to be as informed as possible but there’s posi-tive news feeds that are good. The Happy Broadcast often has a section of positive stories. 

5. You can spend time outside 
If you keep to social distancing regulations and don’t cause a ruckus it’s fine to take a walk, run or bike ride. 

6. Keep a private journal 
Sometimes it helps to write your feelings down. Use a book, notes app on your phone or a journaling app. I sometimes add pictures and drawings as well. 
7. Plan for the future 

I have a list of simple things like going to McDonalds, seeing friends, going to the shop and buying something special or planning a holiday. 

8. Uncertainty 
Everything is uncertain but the main thing is when will this be over? As we find out more about the big C experts can give a more realistic idea of a timeline even if we have to make changes to our lives. 

9. Make someone smile 
Share something you think is pretty good by whatever means necessary. 

RH - (Team Springwell) Powerful Trainer