“Brain Fog,” Self-Care, and Remote IEP Meetings: Coronavirus News and Tools

Having trouble getting anything done these days? You’re not alone. Chronic stress from the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the way our minds work. Learn about the brain science behind this, and explore self-care tips and strategies that can help people who learn and think differently cope during COVID-19.

Also in this week’s coronavirus roundup: tips for remote IEP meetings during school closures and a special kids’ edition of NBC Nightly News.

“Brain Fog” and Self-Care Ideas That Can Help

That “Brain Fog” You’re Feeling Is Perfectly Normal

A neuropsychologist tells Boston’s WBUR how stress from the pandemic is making it harder for our brains to focus and get stuff done. Trouble making decisions? Can’t remember if you fed the dog? This kind of “brain fog” is common these days. And it can actually help us slow down and process our emotions.

Support for Kids With ADHD During the Coronavirus Crisis

One of Understood’s founding partners, the Child Mind Institute, offers pandemic tips for kids who struggle with attention.

Sleep, Sunlight, Self-Care: A Psychiatrist’s Advice for Pandemic Mental Health

Watch this PBS NewsHour interview to see how going for a walk during the day can help you sleep at night.

Stay Home, Stay Mindful

Headspace created this free set of mindfulness exercises for people in Michigan. But it’s useful anywhere and includes exercises for kids in different age groups.

Sesame Street’s Caring for Each Other

This COVID-19 resource hub has self-care strategies for young kids, including watching Cookie Monster learn how to meditate.

Crying in Your Car Counts as Self-Care

The New York Times offers parents and caregivers ways to carve out space for emotions and maybe even find some joy right now.

COVID-19 Grief and Loss Resource Kit

New York’s Brooklyn Laboratory Charter School created this free toolkit for educators. It’s being shared on an Understood partner site, Educating All Learners.

IEP Meetings During School Closures

8 Tips for Conducting Virtual IEP Meetings

Tip #5 on this list from Edutopia: “Enable the confidentiality feature in emails.” You can also get answers to legal questions about remote IEP meetings from attorney and Understood editor Andrew Lee.

Don’t Forget IDEA Requirements When Conducting Virtual IEP Meetings

District Administration has this advice from a special education director: “Make sure parents are not muted at any point during the meeting.”

How I’m Leading Remote IEP Meetings

An Understood Teacher Fellow describes how she approaches IEP meetings today and always: “Whenever I hold any IEP meeting—remote or in-person—I make sure that each team member feels valued.”

NBC Nightly News: Kids’ Edition

This special nine-minute episode answers kids’ questions about the coronavirus and includes learn-at-home tips from Understood expert Bob Cunningham. It’s helpful, non-scary information that parents can watch with their kids.

Get more coronavirus updates and tips for people who learn and think differently.