COVID-19

The Courtyard emailed our current and former students a questionnaire to find out how they are doing during this pandemic.

How's our alumni coping with Covid-19?

What's the impact Covid-19 has been having on our young people?

Please see below a summary of students' answers. 

• How are you coping with the world under COVID-19?

• How long did it take you to get back into a new routine?

• Who helped you?

• If you haven’t received enough help, what would you ask for?

That people who have children/adults with Autism be prioritised with shopping/inline also.

• Due to the government guidelines regarding social distancing and isolation, is social media helpful?

• There’s a lot of uncertainty about when we’ll be able to start returning to ‘normal’ life. Have you experienced anxiety due to this?

• Do you leave your house once a day for a walk/ exercise?

• Are you happy about the new policy that has been introduced that allows people with learning disabilities or autism leave the house for exercise more than once a day?

• What do you do to help your anxiety surrounding this situation?

- N/A

- Jigsaws and reading. I'm reluctant to go outside the door since before lockdown!

- I write my feelings down on my notebook.

• What would be your advice to other young people?

- N/A

- Stay at home

- Plan for things that you would like to do in the future, once things start to return to normal e.g. a meal at a favourite restaurant or seeing a friend, a trip to the cinema or another activity / place you enjoy.

- To go out for a daily walk and to try not to worry.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND SUPPORT/ HELP

DURING THIS TIME IF YOU NEED IT?

The National Autistic Society can provide you with some information and resources about Coronavirus to help you deal with this difficult time.

Autism Helpline- COVID-19 virus and our Autism Helpline

Please click on the link to contact the Autism Helpline. 

If you are looking for a social story to help explain Coronavirus to your relative or the person you support, Carol Gray has created one. Please click on the link

Mencap has made an EasyRead version of its advice to download.

COVID-19 guide for carers and family supporting adults and children with learning disabilities or autistic adults and children

This is a guide to help family members and carers living with and supporting adults and children with learning disabilities, or an autistic adult or child, through the COVID-19 crisis