Self-Care and Managing mental strain in the time of COVID 19.

Dr. Stephen Shore is a special education professor at Adelphi University. He is an internationally renowned expert in autism and an author of many books: College for Students with Disabilities, Understanding Autism for Dummies, Ask and Tell, and Beyond the Wall.

In his most recent phone interview with ICARE4Autism staff writer Irene Bogues. Dr. Stephen Shore talks about managing mental strain during the pandemic and his mental health and suicide prevention project in the autistic and Asperger’s community.

“I think the uptick of suicide cases is due to a lack of face to face contact with other people.” Dr. Shore said. The lack of physical contact may lead to depression, job insecurity, financial challenges, working hours are reduced, and job losses could cause mental health challenges.

Dr. Shore says, maintaining your schedules and routine as best as you can is key.

“You take a shower, eat your breakfast, walk, or ride a bike,” he said.

Set your home for work or schooling and try to put that in your schedule. It’s good to have a specific place where work takes place. Dr. Shore also suggested that parents should communicate with their teachers continually and learn their kids’ schedules. Although there’s no physical connection, at least they still have communications.

He also suggested that the caretakers of people with autism should make self-care their top priority. They should reach out to support groups, setting routines for themselves and loved ones to help build consistency.

During the pandemic’s early days, Dr. Shore and his wife spend quiet time together in their home, cooking home-cooked meals and listening to music. He also said that breathing exercise and meditation helped calm the anxiety down and being aware of the present in these uncertain times and remain focused on his strengths and abilities.

Currently, he serves on the board of Autism Speaks and is one of the first two autistic board members in its history, looking to improve the potential of those on the autism spectrum. He is also very passionate about building greater awareness of the autism spectrum and, in particular, Asperger Syndrome. He collaborates with notable leaders in autism, such as Dr. Temple Grandin, a pioneer in autism rights and the 20th century’s neurodiversity movement.

In addition to his autism leadership, he also served as a member of the senior advisory committee of ICare4Autism-The International Center for Autism Research and Education based in New York City. Dr. Stephen Shore designs holistic and personalizes workshops specific to the students’ needs with autism of Shema Kolainu-Hear Our Voice.