Sending your child back to school during the Covid-19 pandemic can be frustrating and even scary. What if they take it off? Is it even sanitary? Like most of you parents, my husband and I have struggled with the decision to send our children back to school, especially our youngest who has Autism.

Below is a social story that I created for Jaxon and his teachers to use in regards to using a mask. Children with Autism are more than likely going to struggle with this. However, we can do our best to prepare them for success.

  • The concept of the “Social Story” was developed by educator and pioneer Carol Gray. For more information about her work, visit carolgraysocialstories.com.
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If you need help navigating school decisions, would like a social story written or are in need of consultation options for your child during the Coronavirus Pandemic, please do not hesitate to contact us here.

MY MASK: A SOCIAL STORY FOR JAXON

My name is Jaxon. This is me wearing a mask.

My mom and dad told me I have to wear a mask to be safe. I don’t like wearing a mask, but I want to be safe, so I wear one.

There are many people getting sick from the Coronavirus.

When people cough or breathe on others, they can spread the Coronavirus

I wear my mask to keep me safe from the Coronavirus.

If I do not wear my mask people can breathe or cough on me and give me the Coronavirus

I will have to wear a mask at school too.

I may get sad that I cannot touch my friends or see their faces but that’s ok.

I know my friends still like me and they are smiling under their mask.

I can smile under my mask too.

I can also use my word to tell people how I feel. They can hear me talking under my mask.

Sometimes I need a break from wearing my mask.

If I need a break, I just hold up this card to tell my teacher I need a break from my mask.

When I go on break, I must go in my own personal space and take my mask off.

No one can be around me when I take my mask off. It is to keep them safe.

When I am all done taking a break, I put my mask back on and join my class.

I can also wear my shield if i do not want to wear my mask.

The shield keeps me safe just like my mask.

It protects other people from coughing or breathing on me so I don’t get the Coronavirus.

Wearing a mask or a shield is different. But different is ok because I am safe.

And I do not have to wear it all day, just at school or in stores.

When I go home around my family, I can take my mask or shield off.

My name is Jaxon and I am being safe!