Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times - 7 Strategies to Support Individuals with ASD through Uncertain Times

Sep 25, 2026

Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times outlines caregiver strategies for helping children and young adults on the autism spectrum manage stress during COVID-19 uncertainty. It explains how caregivers can communicate concrete, direct information about the virus, use social narratives and multiple formats, and provide visual supports for changing rules and routines. The toolkit also offers ways to structure time, reduce confusion, and encourage safe emotional expression through adaptable, ready-to-use resources and examples.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryGeneral

FormatPDF

Pages17

Reading Time6 min

AccessFree to download

Supporting Understanding

Describe the virus and current situation in concrete language

Use a social narrative and multiple formats

Provide visual supports for actions and behaviors

Clarify the passage of time with visual tools

Offer Opportunities for Expression

UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute Autism Team Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times Kara Hume, Ph. D., UNC School of Education, & UNC FPG Autism Team: Victoria Waters, Ann Sam, Jessica Steinbrenner, Yolanda Perkins, Becky Dees, Brianne Tomaszewski, Lindsay Rentschler, Susan Szendrey, Nancy McIntyre, Mary White, Sallie Nowell, & Sam Odom Some content adapted from Hume, Regan, Megronigle, & Rhinehalt, 2016 All children and young adults require support from caregivers during times of stress and uncertainty, such as those we are facing now with the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) . Coping with the unknown and navigating school closures, abrupt changes in routines, loss of connections with teachers and friends, and fear around contracting the virus-are burdens for all, and caregivers play an important role in helping children and young adults understand the changes and process their related feelings. Individuals with autism may need additional support to process the news and adapt to the many changes. This population may face additional challenges related to comprehension, communication, difficulty understanding 7 Strategies to Support Individuals with ASD through Uncertain Times abstract language, an insistence on sameness, and a greater likelihood of anxiety and depression—all of which may be exacerbated during this stressful period. The following 7 support strategies are designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with autism during this period of uncertainty. In addition, examples and ready-made resources are included to help caregivers implement these strategies quickly and easily. These materials purposely represent a variety of styles/designs/complexity to model the range of what may be most meaningful across ages and skills, and to demonstrate what can be generated with few materials by busy caregivers. Specific adaptations and additions may be necessary to best meet the varied needs of individual children and young adults. These strategies are intended to be a menu or toolkit of ideas that may be helpful--caregivers may take one idea at a time and find a way to make it work for their child(ren) with autism and their family. Caregivers may want to start with a strategy they have used in the past, or perhaps find a tool to address the issue that is creating the most immediate stress. Consider involving the individual with autism in the decision-making process about what tools would be most helpful. Support Understanding Individuals with autism may have varied levels of understanding about the COVID-19 virus, how it spreads, and how to reduce risk of exposure. Below are several strategies to use to provide additional meaning to this complex scenario. Describe the virus and current situation (e. g. closures, social distancing) in concrete language and terms and avoid flowery or abstract phrasing. The understanding of abstract phrases and metaphors such as “she is under the weather”,“she caught the virus”, and “he is scared stiff about this”can be difficult for individuals with autism and can create confusion (Lipsky, 2013) . Using direct and clear language is recommended. Though stark-sounding, phrases like “The coronavirus is a type of germ. These germs are very tiny, and when they get inside your body, they can make you sick” may be easier for individuals with autism to understand. For more information,( [https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/10-](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/10-)[tips-for-talking-about-covid-19-with-your-](tips-for-talking-about-covid-19-with-your-)[kids](kids)) . Use a social narrative, a story that clarifies a situation and possible responses through modified text, photos, or the use of technology (Wong et al., 2014) . Individualson the autism spectrum benefit from receiving information in multiple formats, as they often have receptive language deficits (Mody et al., 2013) . Several example social narratives have been devel

FAQs

What communication approach is recommended for describing COVID-19 to individuals with autism?

Use concrete, direct language and avoid abstract phrasing, metaphors, or flowery expressions. Clear wording is recommended to reduce confusion.

How can social narratives help caregivers support individuals with autism during COVID-19 disruptions?

Social narratives clarify situations and possible responses using modified text, photos, or technology. They can be read regularly across multiple days, with adjustments as circumstances change.

What kinds of visual supports are suggested for coronavirus-related behaviors and routines?

Visual cues can break down new expectations step-by-step, such as greeting rules, interaction changes, social distancing, and handwashing frequency. Calendars and countdown/timer tools can also help clarify time and support coping.

Sep 25, 2026

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