Not all children with autism and learning disabilities will be struggling without school. That is honestly great but for the children that are, this is damaging to their whole wellbeing.

Those suffering may:

• be self-harming or hurting others
• not be sleeping or sleeping too much
• regress back to old ways (stop talking or using the toilet etc)
•  be depressed and/or anxious, confused and scared
• lose motivation in things they would normally enjoy
• miss essential therapies like speech and language, ABA

This is because:

• these children depend heavily on a set routine and structure
• schools provide said routine and structure
• the teachers have earned the trust of these children and provide expert methods of teaching and care
• in addition to school being closed, these children, like everybody else, cannot visit loved ones, go to places they love. They are stuck and despite the best efforts from parents, it is not enough

Obviously pupils and teachers who are vulnerable or have a vulnerable family at home should be supported at home if they so wish.