Those of us caring for a child with autism have likely felt the impact of COVID-19. Therapy appointments may have been rescheduled or switched to virtual, routines may be upended as work and schools close, and we may worry about how the illness will impact ourselves and our loved ones.

COVID-19 symptoms tend to be milder in children. They may develop a fever, runny nose, or cough. Severe complications in children have been rare, but those with additional health concerns, such as epilepsy, may be more at risk.

Fortunately, social distancing is a powerful tool to slow or prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection. Social distancing only works when everyone stays home and limits their contact with others.

When Friends or Family Aren't Worried

Some of us have family members or friends who think the threat of the virus is being blown out of proportion. They may pressure you to join in activities as usual or become upset when you cancel plans to help keep yourself and your community safe during this high-risk time.

Here are some tactics that may help you talk to them about why health — yours, theirs, and the community's — should be everyone's first priority right now.

Have a Heart-to-Heart

Ask them to walk in your shoes. Ask them to imagine what you must be going through. Maybe your loved one thinks they will be fine, but your child may be more vulnerable to being severely impacted by it. If your doctors have cancelled or modified appointments, share how your medical care is being affected. If your health care provider has recommended any additional precautions you should take, share that as well.

Show Them the Numbers

According to research on COVID-19 in China, people who had one additional disease — from diabetes to cardiovascular disease to cancer — had a 79 percent higher risk of requiring intensive care, needing a respirator, or dying as a result of the coronavirus infection.

Six in 10 adults in America have at least one chronic illness.

Put It Into Perspective

The threat of COVID-19 was deemed serious enough to affect major institutions:

• Walt Disney World and Disneyland are closed. These attractions have previously only closed for disasters such as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy or the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
• Las Vegas Strip casinos including Bellagio, MGM Grand, The Mirage, Wynn Las Vegas, and Wynn Encore are closing.
• The NBA has suspended the professional basketball season.
• MLB has ended its training season and pushed back the start of baseball season at least two weeks.
• The 2020 Summer Olympics may be canceled or postponed.

These organizations are prioritizing public health over the hundreds of millions of dollars (or more) they will lose by closing. If we can stay home, we should stay home.

Use Peer Pressure

If you have any other friends or family who are taking the coronavirus threat seriously, ask them to talk to that loved one on your behalf. Social distancing only works if everyone is on board.

Distance Doesn't Mean Isolation

As our families, communities, and countries make it through this pandemic together, it's more important than ever to find ways to stay connected. Here are a few suggestions for ways to socialize from a safe distance.

• Phone calls. Being stuck at home is a great time to call people and catch up.
• Video gatherings. FaceTime or apps like Zoom or Skype allow you to see and hear each other, no matter how distant, on mobile phone, tablet, or computer. You can even have a party with dozens of people on screen.
• Gaming apps. Many mobile gaming apps allow you to connect and play with friends remotely.
• Movie night. Cue up the same movie or show (whether on a streaming service or a DVD you both have) and stay on the phone or on video chat the whole time. You can even plan to eat the same snack while you watch and talk.
• Listening party. Music apps, such as Spotify, allow people to share music playlists and even collaborate to create lists of songs.

MyAutismTeam is another way our community of 118,000 caregivers stays strong together. Here are a few conversations about how members of MyAutismTeam are getting through this difficult time:

• "How are folks managing therapies and coronavirus risks or outbreaks?"
• "Well it's a new world for our kids. Busy day just trying to get both kids' schoolwork from their schools. Thankfully most activities are canceled."
• "I think the quarantine has been encouraging too much screen time. We need to get out in the sunshine when he wakes up."

Have you found ways to talk to your loved ones about COVID-19 safety measures? What are you doing to stay connected to others during this time of heightened concern and social distancing? Share in the comments below or post on MyAutismTeam.