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As Ontario has tougher COVID-19 restrictions again, how have I handled them with autism?
Dealing With Change
According to Spectrum, change is not easy for autistic people to deal with. A 2015 study says that difficulty picking up social cues and understanding rules in unpredictable environments play a part in troubles with things quickly change.
Apply this to the COVID-19 pandemic, and with no doubt, people's lifestyles have changed since then. Partying with hundreds of people in a room was something we once did with no thought and didn't think we'd have to stop doing, but dealing with the idea that it will be so much time until we can go back to how things were before if they ever do, is tough for me.
As an autistic person, I've always liked familiarity. After nearly 27 years of living a usual lifestyle until March 2020, and to have that taken away from me, reminded me how hard it is for me to deal with long-term changes.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, changes such as activity restrictions, distancing, and virtual learning can ensure many challenges for people on the spectrum, especially if they have comorbidities with mental disorders.
Social Isolation
Since I've been socially isolated for most of my life because of my social difficulties, my social life strangely hasn't been much different during the pandemic. The only major difference is that I haven't been seeing family and friends face-to-face as often as I used to. It has made me thankful for social media more than ever.
However, it would be nice to eventually be allowed to hang out with people in person, not just during the summer and fall when COVID-19 cases are down, but during other times of the year as well.
Coping Strategies
Despite this disruption in my life, I remind myself that there are still things I can do when we have restrictions. I can play piano, write articles, cook meals, practice driving, chat with people online, read and do research.
When restrictions haven't been as strict, I've been able to attend some get-togethers, dine in at restaurants, get haircuts and go to Canada's Wonderland.
Asides from ASD Today, another project I work on is my piano series. I have improved my piano skills, which have helped me gain confidence during these tough times.
Here is my most recent cover: Yellow by Coldplay.
In addition, I realize that in a way, many of us are in this together. We aren't immune from COVID-19 restrictions. Although I've frequently felt down about the pandemic, I know that I'm in good company.
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