The National Fragile X Foundation has created a social story — What is COVID-19 and What Does It Mean to Me? — to reflect the changing requirements that governments are enacting. There’s a lot of information — and misinformation — about COVID-19 out there, but there’s no doubt it’s impacted families in many, many ways. While we can’t address everything going on in your life, we hope this can help in some small way.
We’ve provided this new social story in several formats:
- Flip through it on Issuu
- Listen and read along with Jayne Dixon Weber on YouTube
- Download as a presentation (pptx)
- Download as a PDF
What are Social Stories?
First used for children with autism, social stories are mainly used to explain a social situation to a child, teen, or adult experiencing social challenges. They usually have trouble with the concept of social cues, so an example may be a story about visiting a neighbor and might cover things like ringing the doorbell (once, not repeatedly until someone answers) or when to enter the home (only after being invited).
Social stories are usually written specifically for one person and personalized based on their challenges. They’re not intended to change behavior, instead the goal is to clarify social situations or explain something new while hopefully also encouraging self-management through self-awareness and self-calming. They’re used most often to help children deal with change, new routines, transitions, unique situations (like COVID-19), and understanding other people’s point of view.
Pictures are optional, but having the child help with the pictures can be a super fun activity, and help make the situation you’re trying to address more fun for everyone.
Social Story Resources
Social Stories for Kids With Autism – The Ultimate Guide Autism Parenting Magazine
Templates for Personalized Teaching Stories Autism Speaks
Social Stories
What is COVID-19 and What Does It Mean to Me?
The NFXF has updated their social story to reflect the changing requirements that governments are enacting.
What is COVID-19?
It is a new illness spreading around the world.
It is a virus that can get into your body.
A virus is a germ that can make you feel sick.
It is also called coronavirus.
How does someone get it?
When someone has COVID-19 and they cough or sneeze, their germs get in the air, and you can breathe it.
Or it can get on your hands and when you touch your face, it gets in your mouth, nose and your eyes.
How can I keep from getting it?
Wash your hands after going to the bathroom or being outside.
Wash for 20 seconds, sing the ABC song.
Use hand sanitizer.
If you cough or sneeze, use a tissue and then throw it away.
You can also cough and sneeze into your elbow
You can wear a mask.
What else can I do to stay healthy?
Go outside and get exercise, but you should not be with your friends right now.
What else can I do?
Eat healthy foods, get plenty of sleep.
Take regular showers or baths to keep your whole body clean.
You can watch some television, but do not watch too much news.
Help your parents around the house.
If I go outside, can I say hi to people who are not in my family?
Stay at least 6 feet from people — Stay across the street from people.
No hugs, no high fives, no knuckles, no touching.
How can I say “hi” to people?
You can wave to people, shake your head, do pretend high fives.
Where can I go?
Stay home as much as you can. You should not go anywhere.
You can play or hang out in your yard.
You can go for walks with your family but stay away from people.
How will we get food?
Your parents can go to the store.
They can order it and pick it up.
They can go through drive-thru.
They may have it delivered.
How will I know if I get COVID-19?
You will start not feeling well.
You might get a fever or have a cough.
When should I call the doctor?
A fever of 100.4º or higher.
Coughing.
Hard time breathing.
Your parent will call the doctor before you go to their office.
Do what your doctor says.
How do they treat the condition?
Drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest.
Right now, you can use over-the-counter medicines.
There is not currently a specific treatment or vaccine.
What do I do if they cancel my school or my day program or my work?
Your parents or providers will set up a new schedule and routine for you.
They will work with your teachers and providers to help with this.
How can I stay in touch with friends and other family?
It is important that you do stay in touch with other people!
Phone, text, Facetime, Facebook, email.
Send a letter or a postcard.😉
What can I do to make other people happy?
Put a drawing in your window. You can do an X or a rainbow or a heart!
Sit on your front porch and say “hi” to people who walk by.
When your mail carrier comes, say “Thank you!”
Find your happy place at home!
We recognize that there is a lot of information (and misinformation) about COVID-19 out there, and that this virus has impacted families in many, many ways.
While we know we cannot address everything going on in your life, we hope that this information makes today a bit better.
MORE COVID-19 RESOURCES
An Unregulated Life is No Laughing Matter — Webinar
Tracy Stackhouse teaches us the importance of self-regulation in individuals with Fragile X syndrome.
How Do We Cope with the Current Circumstances
In this new recording, Marcia Braden discusses strategies for daily living with COVID-19. She discusses how anxiety can fuel behavior, and she gives ideas on how to set up your day and accommodations you can make to help keep anxiety at a minimum.
The How Toʼs of Sensory Diets in Fragile X Syndrome — Webinar
How To's of Sensory Diets in Fragile X Syndrome is the new video for this special time from Tracy Stackhouse from Developmental FX. A sensory diet is an occupational therapy intervention strategy devised to attain and maintain appropriate arousal states throughout each day.
Mindfulness and Me — Webinar
From our good friends at Developmental FX, Tracy and Ruth on using movement and meditation to deal with the anxiety and challenges of daily life being turned upside down.