How to Help Children with Mask-Wearing

The current COVID-19 pandemic has surely altered how you go through your day. From businesses being closed, to frequent cleaning and hand washing, to fear of contracting illness, it is nearly impossible to overstate the impact that this is having on all of us. As we’ve discussed previously, the challenges of this pandemic are amplified when you have a child, and even more so when you have a child with special needs.

One of the biggest challenges facing these parents is how to keep their child safe when they have to venture out into the world. In addition to frequent hand washing, sanitizing of surfaces, and other special cleaning methods, the CDC recommends that everyone wear some type of face mask or face shield. For children with sensory issues, this is can present a big challenge. For people who are sensitive to touch, such as those with ASD, the face is often one of the most sensitive areas. They may struggle with feelings of being trapped or smothered, even when no real threat of either is present. The mask may be uncomfortable on their face, around the bridge of their nose, or behind their ears. The child may struggle even more than usual at connecting with anyone speaking to them, if the speaker’s voice is muffled or if their face is mostly covered.

So what is a parent to do? Parents want to keep their children safe but may struggle with feelings of guilt or concern if their child reacts poorly to wearing a mask for any reason. With this in mind, we have provided a list of strategies that can help your child adjust to “the new normal” of wearing masks.

• Practice with your child. Show them how it works in whatever way suits them best. This could include putting a mask on a favorite doll or teddy bear or watching videos of people wearing masks. This may be as simple as putting a mask on yourself and letting your child check it out. Try having your child wear a mask for short periods of time and rewarding them with a preferred object or treat for making it through.
• Determine which masks work best for your child. When they wear a mask, are they frequently pulling on or rubbing the backs of their ears? This could indicate discomfort with the ear straps, and so a mask with bands that go around the back of the head might be preferable. If they have a mask with a nose wire, and it is putting stress on the bridge of their nose, look for soft cotton masks without the wire. Some children may not be able to tolerate a fabric face mask at all. In this case, look for plastic face shields to wear when you’re away from home.

• Make the mask more comfortable for breathing. Children may struggle with breathing in a mask, not because they are actually struggling to draw breath, but because the sensation of breathing recycled air is unpleasant. If appropriate, give them gum or hard candy while they are wearing the mask. You might also look for masks with breathing valves, which can ensure that cool, clean air continues to be filtered into the mask.
• Set expectations, and make sure your child understands them. If possible, explain to your child when they do and don’t need to wear a mask. For some children, this may involve visual cues, such as a picture of someone wearing a mask, to signal when it is time to put one on.

Truly, this is a difficult and challenging time. But with some patience and practice, you can help keep your child safe without adding to the anxiety that you or your child might already be feeling.

Allie Wyatt
Expansion Coordinator, Bakersfield, CA
Tuesday, July 7, 2020