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masks with special needs
- Thread starter Gramma4
- Start date
Sirwalterraleigh
Premium Member
From a practical standpoint...you are incorrect.
“At risk” for virus transmission/contact...not semantics.
Giss Neric
Well-Known Member
Three pages of responses later and the original poster still hasn't responded.
mergatroid
Well-Known Member
I'd say you're both right to some degree in my opinion. Whilst 'at risk' is viewed by many in context with covid 19 as meaning 'less likely to be able to fight off the virus if contracted', it can also mean just more likely to contract it. For instance with 'special needs' people, the level of their understanding about how to 'remain safe' would have to be considered. So for instance if the person with 'special needs' is likely to touch things and then lick their hands (not many special needs people do this, hence me saying if they do this as most don't) or run up to others as they don't understand social distancing, then this would put them more 'at risk' of contracting it. Once contracted though, their autism wouldn't make them less likely to survive it than somebody without autism.
Ideally though, we don't want anyone catching it anyway regardless of whether it just means them feeling unwell, making them seriously ill, or worse.
Last edited:
Tony the Tigger
Well-Known Member
Why would you want people with special needs to get the virus?
mergatroid
Well-Known Member
Indeed. I at no stage implied that all special needs people touch excessively and then lick their hands, that's why I specifically used if in the sentence. I will edit it though just to save any misunderstandings.
JohnD
Well-Known Member
Joined 2014. Only 15 messages. Not putting her down. She's a grandma after all, a WDW forum is not her regular bag of tea, and she had a specific need for checking in. It may be a while before she checks back.
you think this is toxic? lol now I've heard everything
much more entertaining then the Frozen conversion!
jloucks
Well-Known Member
You're restoring my faith in humanity, one little step at a time. ❤
I have an adult son with autism, and he didn't have any trouble adapting to using a mask. But, I didn't know, until I gave him one to practice with at home, whether that would be the case. He was open to it immediately, but we had introduced the mask a few months ago while our county was still on a strict lockdown just in case it would be a process that took some time. He now wears it anytime he leaves our home, even though he only goes for walks or rides in our own neighborhood or along with us for drive-up or curbside services. It was easier to make a single, simple rule for him: No masks at home, masks whenever leaving the house.
My suggestion would be to work with a behaviorist or with someone who is knowledgeable about principles of behaviorism. There might be someone in the school system who can assist if you don't have a private behaviorist involved. (We are fortunate to have someone who helps us with things like this and she is a GODSEND.)
Generally, a behaviorist would start with something very simple -- maybe you would give your grandson a small piece of the mask material to look at, to hold and touch. After a week or so, you might give him some pieces of the ear loop material to do the same. A few days later, he would wear the mask for a count of 10 -- or if needed, a countdown of just 3-2-1, you can take it off, here's a gummy bear reward. Increase the time worn over a very generous period of time; meanwhile, vary and reduce the reward. <--A behaviorist can help you with the tweaking that will help you work through this.
I would suggest using something other than elastic for the ear loops. I have made many, many masks using inexpensive tights cut into strips that form very comfortable, soft ear loops. I have never used it, but I have heard strips of cotton t-shirts also work well for soft, comfortable ear loops. If you would like and if you feel comfortable about it, message me behind the scenes and I'll send you a couple of homemade masks along with pieces of the fabric and a piece of the tights to work with as you try to help him adapt. I feel confident that with the right behavioral approach that you have plenty of time to work through this so that he can wear the mask and you can all enjoy your visit. I really wish you the very best of luck!!
IMFearless
Well-Known Member
Tried to quote the post above unsuccessfully!
Having worked for over 25 years in providing specialist care to people who have severe learning disabilities, here in the UK, this sounds like extremely good advice.
I have worked with many hundreds of children and adults, many of whom have had extremely longterm behaviours that may have been mismanaged, sometimes for many decades. The difficulty in managing behaviour is mainly that it is extremely time consuming and labour intensive and progress can be extremely slow. It also requires specialist knowledge to ensure you are approaching the situation correctly. With a consistent, sensitive and well thought through approach most people’s behaviour can be altered gradually over time. Is it always easy to do, hell no.
Hopefully you can come up with a program that can work for you.
Having worked for over 25 years in providing specialist care to people who have severe learning disabilities, here in the UK, this sounds like extremely good advice.
I have worked with many hundreds of children and adults, many of whom have had extremely longterm behaviours that may have been mismanaged, sometimes for many decades. The difficulty in managing behaviour is mainly that it is extremely time consuming and labour intensive and progress can be extremely slow. It also requires specialist knowledge to ensure you are approaching the situation correctly. With a consistent, sensitive and well thought through approach most people’s behaviour can be altered gradually over time. Is it always easy to do, hell no.
Hopefully you can come up with a program that can work for you.
Jimmy Thick
Well-Known Member
Reading this thread for some reason I put on a mask.
Don't know why but I'm wearing one.
Don't know why but I'm wearing one.
What a joke
he is 11.
Please do not make any judgments or assumptions.. i have replied to those who have given me any sound advice.... I don't to debate the mask debate ... I just want to know how we can make our trip happen, since I have a deposit on my villas.