A How-To Guide to Wearing a Mask

Photo from Lindsay Cox, mouselovespig.com

Masks have become of the new normal and should be worn almost anywhere you go in an effort to keep yourself and others safe. It is recommended to get your children used to wearing them, especially before they may have to wear them for longer periods of time once school begins.

For a child with autism, this may be a difficult adjustment to make. Some children with autism struggle with sensory sensitivities, which might make a mask uncomfortable on their skin. Additionally, this change in routine may be difficult for a child who finds comfort in having as little change as possible in their daily lives. By making an effort to find a comfortable mask, and some practice wearing it, your child will hopefully adjust to this new aspect of their life.  

The first step in adjusting to wearing masks will be finding one that is as comfortable as possible. This may involve a lot of trial and error, but it will be worth it once you find a mask that your child can tolerate. There are so many different types of masks available. Consider the different styles of masks first based on your child’s needs. There are ones with elastic straps that loop behind the ear, easy to pull on and off when needed.  You can also find ones that tie at the back of the head, which are harder to put on and take off, but may help if the loops tugging on your child’s ears are uncomfortable.  

The next consideration to take will be the material. Stretchier, more breathable materials will likely provide the most comfort. Finding a soft material that does not irritate your child’s skin will be essential, but take a few tries. Take the time to read the reviews to see if people mentioned how the mask felt on.  

In order to motivate your child to wear a mask, it’s helpful to explain to them why it’s necessary that they wear it. Focus on the positives - it will help keep them and their friends and family safe!  Try a social story with images and simple text to get this message across.  

Another way to motivate your child to wear their mask is to involve them in the process of choosing it. Have them choose a fun color or pattern. This will also ensure that they don’t get their mask confused with their classmates’ (if they take it off to eat, for example).  

Once you have their preferred masks ready, it will be important to make sure that your child is able to keep it on for longer periods of time. It will help to practice doing this in the weeks before school begins to help them adjust. Set aside times for your child to wear their mask around the house or in another comfortable environment, and do it with them (along with the rest of the family) to set a good example.  

It’s okay if you feel frustrated throughout this process.  It can be hard for everyone to make these adjustments, but with time, they will feel more normal.