Children with developmental disability may have a harder time coping with the pandemic. The following can be a guide for parents who would like to help their children to cope during the COVID-19 period:

1. Play and movement

Depending on your child’s disability, activities that involve movement are important, especially for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), learning disabilities or gross motor delays. Try to find simple, yet effective, activities for your child, such as jumping on a trampoline; dance videos; activities on yoga mat, such as crawling and rolling around; and/or supervised waterplay. This is important to reduce their high levels of energy, improve gross motor skills and to reduce stress. If you are able to do outdoor activities, do get them to do these as often as daily. Running in a field, cycling, or even a short walk helps to diffuse the excess energy.

2. Timetable

Create a timetable, with the help of a child occupational therapist (OT). A simple timetable of activities, complete with nap / sleep times and mealtimes will help in creating a routine for your child. Keeping to routines will help your child manage expectations and restlessness.

3. Nutrition

Providing a healthy nutrition for children is important, but especially so for children with developmental disability. Try to minimise or entirely avoid giving ‘junk’ foods or foods with high sugar or salt content. Make sure to increase the intake of foods that contain vitamin C, omega fatty acid, such as fruits and fish. Supplements such as zinc, vitamin C, and omega fatty acids can be taken for enhanced physical development and boost the immune system.

4. Emotional support

Do provide as much emotional support as you can, as the restrictions during COVID-19 may hit harder for children with developmental disabilities. The following are signs of deteriorating conditions that you should look for in your child:

• Regression of achieved skills
• Worsening ‘meltdowns’ and tantrums
• Being unusually quiet
• Lack of appetite
• New behavioural issues previously unnoticed

Take note of your child’s usual and unusual behaviours, and discuss with your doctor if you notice any of the above signs and changes.

5. Doctor’s visit / Therapy

Keep up with your child’s scheduled visits to the doctor, especially to the Paediatrician or to the Developmental Paediatrician. Discuss with your doctor regarding the frequency of visits your child may need. Some children may have appointments with Occupational Therapist (OT), Speech-Language Therapist (ST) or Physical Therapist (PT) that have been disrupted during the pandemic. Discuss with the respective therapists on the best way to keep up with your child’s therapies at home. Last but not least, remember to give your child and yourself a break during this difficult time. Do not expect everything to be how it was before and to accept that things may not always be perfect or as planned. Just do the best you can, especially in the new normal.

This article was contributed by Dr Yamuna Ramadas, Consultant Paediatrician at Pantai Hospital Ampang. To know more about where and when to see Dr Yamuna Ramadas at her clinic, click here.