This Video Can Help Kids With Disabilities Understand the Coronavirus Pandemic

Coronavirus. Social distancing. Why we stay home. I had to make a video to explain it to my 7-year-old son Knightly, who has Down syndrome. And when I finished it, I wept.

So much has changed so quickly.

Every day is bringing news of a place I loved being closed, people I love I’m unable to see, and COVID-19 infecting more and more people. I am figuring out how we’ll pay our bills. Every day I redefine self-care. I am uncovering how to do community. I am donning the hat of full-time mom, teacher, therapist (occupational, physical, speech, behavioral), cook, cleaner, entertainer and friend. And I’m still processing why.

So how could I explain it to my son?

I can’t talk to him about it. That doesn’t work with his auditory processing disorder. I can’t show him a written story.  He is not yet able to read because of his intellectual delays. He can’t ask me questions. His apraxia makes speech very limited and he is still learning how to use his AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device to speak. The best ways my son learns are visually and through his peers.  And with social distancing, that’s not possible right now.

But in the past year, I discovered a powerful tool I could use to help him: a Social Story video. Social stories are written stories and/or videos that explain step-by-step what someone can expect in a situation, what they need to do, and how to communicate their needs when they have challenges. The latest research shows video-based modeling is a powerful tool for many types of people, especially children with disabilities such as Down syndrome or autism.

Now more than ever, social stories can help and are more relevant than ever. Why? Because I can bring Knightly’s peers to him via video. Moreover, I can bring the world to Knightly via video.

I contacted his friends and people around the globe, and they answered. The result? A video that brings my son answers, community and travel to faraway lands. And as I watched each family, I was reminded of what I very much needed to hear: I am not alone.

We are all figuring this out. And we are all in this together.

Introducing Mighty Knightly’s Social Story Coronavirus (COVID-19) video: Let’s Stay Home

For more on the coronavirus, check out the following stories from our community:

• Why I’m Worried About Rationing If My Child With Down Syndrome Gets COVID-19
• Please Wash Your Hands Year-Round — Not ‘Just’ Because of the Coronavirus
• 10 Face Masks People With Chronic Illness Recommend
• Creative Activities to Try With Your Kids While We’re Isolated at Home
• What to Do When Your Child on the Autism Spectrum’s Routine Is Disrupted by the Coronavirus