Courtesy of Chandra Watkins Face coverings, distance learning and barren playgrounds. This is the “new normal” for the education system, and for students with special needs, remote learning presents unique challenges. Students with autism learn and adapt in different ways from other children, so during the COVID-19 pandemic, the education of students with autism has been disrupted – and not only their educational routine but also their at-home routine, which could go something like this: Shower. Brush teeth. Get dressed. Now, fifteen minutes of playtime. Socks. Five-minute break. Shoes on. From timers to picture schedules, when it comes to individuals with autism, a routine is an absolute necessity. In order to navigate through the social world that is difficult for them to understand, a concrete routine allows many people with autism to function at their best.