Ambitious about Autism has released online a new illustrated story, The World Has Turned Upside Down, written by best-selling children’s author Kes Gray with art from renowned illustrator Chloe Batchelor, to demonstrate how the impact of Coronavirus is causing heightened anxiety for children with autism.
You can read the new illustrated story The World Has Turned Upside Down for free on their website.
Their Chief Executive, Jolanta Lasota, said: “Routine, structure and predictability are incredibly important for autistic children, helping them manage anxiety and regulate their emotions in a world that is often very challenging. Sadly, the disruption and uncertainty caused by lockdown has led to extreme anxiety and distress for these young people and their families.
“Many of the children and young people we work with can no longer access things they need to provide joy, sensory calming or stimulation. Some young people are also struggling because they are frightened by the idea of a virus within the community, which is enhancing their anxiety.
“Four in five children with autism experience mental health issues and lockdown has made it more difficult for these young people to access vital mental health support services, further impacting on their wellbeing.”
The new illustrated story shows how the world is completely different for children with autism and has been developed to raise much needed funds for Ambitious about Autism’s Coronavirus Crisis Appeal, launched to provide support to autistic children and their families struggling during lockdown.
This project would not have been possible without the generous support of Kes Gray and Chloe Batchelor. They’re also grateful to Red Brick Road, The & Partnership and Tony Gray from Words by Design for giving their time to support the publication of this story.
