Supporting Children with Autism During the St. Louis Tornado Recovery
The recent tornado in St. Louis has brought sudden disruption, damage, and uncertainty to many families. For those raising a child with autism, these challenges can feel especially overwhelming. Changes in routine, loud noises, unfamiliar environments, and emotional stress can all make recovery even more difficult.
If you're feeling stretched thin, please know: it’s okay to focus on the bare essentials. Your presence, your care, and your effort—no matter how imperfect—are enough.
Here are some simple, real-world ways to help your child feel safer and more supported during this time. No special materials or preparation needed.
1. Create Calm Through Reassurance
Tornadoes can be frightening for anyone, especially children who rely on predictability.
Use simple, comforting language:
“We’re safe now,” or “The loud part is over. We’re okay.”Offer regular reassurance:
Repeat phrases like “I’m here with you,” or “You’re safe now.”Find a quiet space if possible:
In shelters or shared housing, try to identify a small corner where your child can decompress.
2. Focus on Immediate Needs
Basic needs come first—and that’s more than enough.
Hydration and simple snacks:
Crackers, granola bars, fruit—anything easy to eat and familiar.
Allow for downtime:
Let your child engage in low-energy activities like drawing, listening to music, or simply resting.
Stick to comfort, not perfection:
Routines may be out the window. Focus on what keeps your child regulated.
3. Adapt to Sensory Needs with What You Have
Tornado recovery zones are noisy, bright, and chaotic. You can use everyday items to help soothe your child’s sensory system.
For noise sensitivity:
Hoodies, beanies, or tissues in ears can act as makeshift noise buffers.
For pressure-seeking behaviors:
A folded blanket, heavy backpack, or coat over shoulders can provide calming input.
For visual calm:
Dim the lights, focus on soft visual objects like a flashlight or screensaver when available.
4. Offer Simple Activities for Comfort and Distraction
You don’t need to recreate home routines—just moments of comfort.
Play simple games:
“I Spy,” counting games, or singing favorite songs can ground your child.
Encourage movement if possible:
Jumping in place, pacing, or stretching can help release nervous energy.
Let creativity lead:
Drawing with a pen, tapping on a tablet, or doodling in the dirt can be soothing.
5. Stick to Small Routines When You Can
Even one or two repeatable actions each day can bring structure and comfort.
Consistent bedtimes or mealtimes:
Even if the food or location is different, consistency helps.
Familiar objects or rituals:
A stuffed toy, a bedtime story, or a song can go a long way.
6. Help Your Child Express Big Feelings
During crisis, your child may not be able to say how they feel—and that’s okay.
Try yes/no or simple choices:
“Are you feeling mad/sad/scared?” or “Do you want quiet or a hug?”
Use gestures or pointing:
Let them communicate however works best for them.
Offer closeness if welcomed:
Sit nearby, hold hands, or offer gentle pressure if it’s comforting.
7. Access Support When You Need It
You don’t have to go through this alone. Here are some local and national resources that are ready to help:
Shelter & Housing Support:
Find a Red Cross shelter location for aid, meals, health services, and a safe place to sleep
St. Louis City emergency resource center for updates, shelter and aid services
Shelter at The Recreational Center: 1410 S. Tucker Blvd, MO 63104
Shelter at Friendly Temple Outreach Center: 6356 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, St. Louis, MO 63133
Food & Supplies:
St. Louis area foodbank for emergency food and housing essentials
Feeding Missouri for locating local food banks
Utilities & Clean-Up:
Ameren Missouri for power outage updates and safety tips
Crisis Cleanup Hotline for debris removal and minor repairs: 1-844-965-1386
United Way 211 for housing, clothing, cleanup assistance, and more: Dial 211
Public Charging Stations:
Firehouse Engine House No. 26: 4520 Margaretta Avenue, 63115
O’Fallon YMCA: 4343 W Florissant Ave, St. Louis, MO 63115
Grace United Methodist Church: 6199 Waterman Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112
Emotional and Mental Health Support:
Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
Behavioral Health Response for crisis support: Dial 988
8. Lastly, Be Gentle with Yourself
You’re doing your best in incredibly difficult circumstances—and that’s more than enough. There’s no “right” way to navigate a crisis, so try to offer yourself the same kindness you give to others. Even small moments, like pausing to take a breath or drink some water, can help restore a bit of calm. And if things feel heavy, it’s okay to lean on someone—a friend, family member, or support line. You’re not alone in this.
At Behavior Frontiers, our hearts are with all the families and team members impacted by the St. Louis tornado. While this time is filled with uncertainty, we hope these simple, compassionate strategies bring you and your child even a small sense of calm and stability.
We’re holding space for your strength, healing, and recovery—one moment at a time.