Pandemics add new challenges to people with disabilities

Paris-The disruption of everyday life caused by a virus outbreak loves and takes care of children with disabilities and those who are locked up at home while specially needed schools and support programs are closed. It is especially a trial for those who are doing it.

Autistic 14-year-old Mohammed took weeks to block the strict French coronavirus, picked up a pickaxe, and began attacking the walls of his family’s home.

His explanation: “I can’t wait at home because it’s too long.”

Mohammed hasn’t picked up his ax again since last month’s incident, his father Sarah reassured. However, the boy is frustrated that he is still stuck inside and says he wants to break the house.

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Like others who told the Associated Press about their experience, families talked about the condition of being identified by name, only worrying about the privacy of their children.

Worse, Mohammed’s mother, who works in a nursing home, is on sick leave because she tested positive for covid-19. She had to live for a few weeks in isolation on the top floor of the Mantela Jolie house on the outskirts of Paris. Her health has since improved.

The physical distance with her family was especially difficult for Mohammed, who had an intimate relationship with her mother.

“We kept telling him he was ill. He was careful, and then he tried to see her again,” Sarah said.

Violent explosions, lack of understanding, conflicts, panic attacks: Living in a locked-down shocked many children with special needs. Also, antivirus protection in France, which is currently in its second month and will take place at least until May 11, is one of the most strict measures in Europe.

At home, Mohammed must always be careful not to hurt or endanger himself.

“It’s tough for him. We disciplined him and said no … I need to repeat, repeat,” Sarah said. The father acknowledges his fatigue and works as a telecommunications engineer at home, caring for Mohammed and his two siblings, ages 12 and 8.

Sarah knows how to detect facial signs when Muhammad’s pressure is too high and can get angry. “Don’t make things hot.”

Mohammed usually attends the Bel Air Institute near Versailles. Bel Air Institute provides special education and treatment services to dozens of children with various types of disabilities. His teacher. Corentin Sainte Fare Garnot will do its best to help.

“When you remove a crutch from someone who needs it from one day to the next, it becomes very complicated,” he said.

For people with autism, “loneliness and lack of activity can be very profound,” the teacher said. Mohammed calls him several times a day.

Aurelie Collet, manager of the Bel-Air Institute, said that some teens initially didn’t understand the lockdown rules, so they stayed home and continued to go out. Others who were well integrated into the class turned inside and isolated themselves in the bedroom.

The staff, including social networks, have developed creative tools to communicate with children and keep them working, she said.

Under national restrictions, the French can leave the house for essential services such as buying food, going to a doctor, etc. and need to be near the house. Physical activity in public places is strictly limited to an hour within a nearby radius. Police fines on a daily basis.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron, recognizing the burden regulation has on people with autism, has announced an exception that allows them to go to customary places without observing time or distance restrictions .

The new challenges that pandemics bring to children with special needs are well known to millions of families around the world. Throughout the United States, teachers are exploring new ways to deliver customized lessons from afar, and parents of children with disabilities are not only responsible for homeschooling, but also for therapy, hands-on lessons and behavior management. Is added to.

Sarah has begun to take Mohammed again to ride a bike, his eldest son is an activity he enjoyed before the pandemic.

“This is like a relief valve for him. He needs it … we’re having a hard time keeping up with him, he’s happily yelling,” Sarah said. Smiled.

April 26, 2020 section