Ever since his friends stopped coming over for home-schooling in the past few weeks, eight-year-old Tanav Kishor Mandle, who has autism spectrum disorder, has been refusing to study, says his mother Prerana. "We're focusing on planting, drawing, playing board games, etc, but when we start home-schooling again, Tanav may be resistant as the routine has been disrupted," says the Borivali resident. For kids like him, the closure of schools and therapy centres has meant a break in their daily pattern, which is crucial for their well-being as changes are difficult for them to process, says Reena Singh, occupational therapist and founder of city-based Khushi Paediatric Therapy Centre. It has also left parents worried about their progress being hindered. "Although one can't replace professional therapy, parents can continue similar activities at home," says Singh. On World Autism Awareness Day, we take a look at a few such basic activities.

Treat for the senses
The aim of occupational therapy is sensory integration of vestibular, proprioception and tactile systems, explains Singh. For vestibular stimulus, or awareness of body balance, parents can play Ring a' ring o' roses or use a swing at home. "Proprioception involves active contraction of muscles so kids can do chores like cleaning windows or brooming; bounce on therapy balls; play hopscotch; or do yoga." For tactile stimulus, children can play with dough or eat food with their hands, while parents can massage them during their bath time.