Hello, my name is Caroline. I'm an autism
spectrum disorder consultant
with McMaster Children's Hospital at the
Ron Joyce Children's Health Centre.
One of the most important changes in the
way we live because of COVID-19
is practicing physical distancing when
we're in the community.
To help your child with autism get ready
for school, they will need to learn
physical distancing
which is keeping a safe space of at
least two meters away from other people.
Here are a few tips when teaching
physical distancing that could be
further adapted for your individual child.
Information is power - provide an
explanation of why physical distancing
is needed and why we need to practice.
A social narrative can be used to 
help with understanding.
It is important that your child understands 
when physical distancing is needed,
for example at school, and when physical
distancing is not needed,
for example at home with family. You can
teach your child what two meters
approximately looks like by stretching
out your arms,
having your child stretch out their arms
and not allowing your fingers to touch.
Let your child know that this is a safe
distance. Also, when reading books or
watching videos,
point out examples of people who are
physically distancing from each other.
At school, your child's class can be set up
with mats or tape on the carpet to
help each child stay within their own
space and physical distance.
You can create and practice the same
idea within a specific area 
of your own home,
just to have your child continue to
practice what a safe distance
is and for them to stay in their spot.
Practice makes progress 
as this is a new skill for all of us.
Thank you and take care.
