It's a stressful time for most families at the moment, not least the parents of children with autism and other special needs.
Many children on the autism spectrum struggle with changes to their daily routines and have restricted diets with only limited foods they will eat.
With schools closed for many - and a completely different environment for those that are still there - the norm has changed for everyone.
That's why advice is being given to help those families coping with the changes to everyday life.
James Sinclair, from Manchester, was diagnosed with autism when he was five and has his own website which follows his journey.
After setting up Autistic & Unapologetic back in 2017, he's now used it as a means of sharing tips for how to support autistic people during the current coronavirus pandemic.
It includes everything from explaining Covid-19 to people with autism - helping to ground their understanding with facts if you think they would benefit from that - to what to do if an autistic person has the disease.
He says social stories can be useful in helping them adapt to change and make information easier to digest. That's also something the National Autistic Society is recommending people download here.
But perhaps some of the most important guidance from James, who is now 26, is around supporting autistic people to 'find a new normal' during lockdown.
"For autistic people, in particular, any kind of quarantine means that all things resembling a previous schedule is about to go out off the window," he says.
"However, where one routine ends another can always begin. For this reason, finding a new normal is essential and, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, it’s best that this new routine contains some traces of the old one for example:
- Sleep: when to go to bed and when to rise and shine
- Clothes worn: so even if someone isn’t going to school they can still wear their uniform to study at home
- Diet: the only time it IS okay to stockpile one specific food (fingers crossed you don’t need pasta)
- Shows watched: recording favourite shows is never a bad idea, especially when ‘breaking news’ might break into daily viewing
He adds: "With that said though, while there are still many changes which are unavoidable, this doesn’t mean you should avoid any explanation of what they might be. Once again, in-depth social stories will be your friend here. However, in addition to the cold hard facts, try to elaborate on why some of the changes are taking place i.e. ‘You will see your sister at home because her university may have the germs that could make her poorly’.
"Furthermore, during this time, exercise will be extremely important for physical health, de-stressing and tiring us out (to ensure a sleep schedule can be kept). Therefore, make sure autistic people are finding ways to stay fit; be it through online Yoga videos or by dusting off your old ‘Davina McCall: 30-day fat burner’ DVD. Remember this isn’t one of those do as I say, not as I do moments, so if we have to exercise you have to put down that Pringles tube get off the sofa and get involved."
Mum Zoe Ogden, from Swinton, is only too aware of the problems that can arise with autism. Both her sons, Harry, 12, and Jacob, nine, have the condition.
Because they both struggle in the school environment, teacher Zoe says being home-schooled by mum 'is a dream come true' for the boys, but she does know others who are finding it more difficult.
Zoe said: "I know others who struggle and their parents have created social stories to help. My advice is to only share necessary information as young people with autism often over think things so knowledge in this instance isn't necessarily appropriate.
"I'd also suggest trying to keep to a routine whenever possible, so for me we've created a new routine that will work for us.
"The best advice for parents is to network with others. I shared a post on my Facebook offering my teacher services. So far four mums have messaged and I have sent work and explained things. I'm happy to help in any way I can."
For more from James, visit his website here, or see the National Autistic Society guidance here.
