Psyched About School

The recent deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor have served to further expose the unjust and unfair treatment of people of color in America. The protests are all over television, newspapers, and the internet, reaching cities world-wide. The violence that sometimes accompanies the protests is scary. It has been especially unsettling that many of these deaths have come at the hands of the police, whom we have been taught are here to serve and protect citizens. Conversations with children are essential for all parents to have. Silence will not protect you or them. Not talking about events will only fuel fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. Silence allows children to draw their own, often faulty, conclusions about what is happening and why. It is important to acknowledge the truth of racism and unfairness, as well as to talk about the possibilities of change. Honesty is the key in a conversation with children of any age. A plan of action will reduce some of the fears b...

As the Stay at home order turns into a Safer at home order, many more people are out and about in the community. The CDC recommends that people wear cloth face coverings, whether or not they have active COVID-19 symptoms, as an additional method to help slow the spread of the virus. It is important to note that they do not recommend the wearing of a mask for people who are under the age or 2, are unconscious, have breathing problems or are unable to remove the mask without assistance. That being said, wearing a mask feels foreign to many. Children and adults with disabilities may be more resistant to mask wearing, but there are a number of ways to make the experience more comfortable for them. Remember, that this is a new skill, and it may take a little bit of time to get used to it. First, help them to understand the reasons for wearing a mask in public. There are a number of resources ranging from social stories to videos, depending on their needs: https://www.autismlittlelearne...