Steps to Prevent H1N1 Flu in Special Needs Kids
Strategies to Avoid the Swine Flu in Children With Disabilities
Aug 22, 2009
This fall is an optimum time to teach the child with special needs about good health and hygiene practices to avoid catching everything from the common cold to the H1N1 flu. Of course, even healthy practices are not a guarantee that a child will not become ill, but cleanliness is helpful in avoiding illness.
Consider the Special Needs Child’s Communication
If the child uses a picture system or sign language for best communication, be sure to use it. Always choose to communicate in a way that is clearly understandable to the child. Perhaps a chart can be used to record the child's successes at implementing these practices. (See rewards below.)
Explain the expectations. For example, hand washing should be done with an antibacterial soap and water and should continue for at least 20 seconds. The child with special needs can use this time to practice reciting the ABCs, counting 1-25, or singing a short song. Older kids with developmental delays enjoys getting two things done at once. The parent asks an agreed up number of study questions, such as vocabulary words, spelling words, or math facts. When the child has answered the questions, the hand washing time is complete.
Demonstrate How to Wash Hands and Blow the Nose
Many children with limited language skills learn best from demonstration. Demonstrate hand washing (as described above) as well as sneezing and coughing in to the elbow. In the case of using a tissue, the child should be taught to wash his hands afterwards. Again, the best teacher is example. This is true many times over with the child who struggles with understanding verbal directions.
Reinforce Healthy Habits of the Disabled Child
Plan ahead how to reward the child with a disability as he displays healthy, germ-fighting habits. Naturally, the goal is for the practices to become intrinsic. However, a long period of reinforcement may be needed to reach that goal.
Many children with special needs require a tangible reward such as a small candy or even a sticker on a chart. With time, the child may be rewarded with simple verbal praise or a literal pat on the back. Evaluate reward systems that work well with the child in other situations and use a similar system to teach these healthy habits.
Naturally, in any medical situation, vaccination and treatment information can only be given by a physician. Preventative steps of healthy habits and frequent hand washing can help prevent the H1N1 flu in children with special needs.
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