---
title: "Coping During COVID-19: Strategies to Reinforce Executive Functioning Skills During Times of Change"
description: Crystal Hayes, Interim Program Director, CIP Long Beach discusses COVID-19 and strategies to reinforce the skills taught at CIP during difficult times.
image: https://info.cipworldwide.org/hubfs/Be%20Prepared%20sign%20with%20sky%20background.jpeg
---

[![CIP Worldwide](https://info.cipworldwide.org/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CIP_January2021/images/CIP-logo.png?width=300&height=729&name=CIP-logo.png "CIP Worldwide")](https://cipworldwide.org)

- [About](https://www.cipworldwide.org/about-cip/cip-at-a-glance/)
  
  
  
    - [CIP at a Glance](https://www.cipworldwide.org/about-cip/cip-at-a-glance/)
    - [Our Students](https://www.cipworldwide.org/about-cip/our-students/)
    - [Our Staff](https://www.cipworldwide.org/about-cip/our-staff/)
    - [Advisory Board](https://www.cipworldwide.org/about-cip/professional-advisory-board/)
    - [Outcomes & Statistics](https://www.cipworldwide.org/about-cip/outcomes-statistics/)
    - [FAQs](https://www.cipworldwide.org/about-cip/faqs/)
- [Admissions](https://www.cipworldwide.org/admissions/criteria-process/)
  
  
  
    - [Criteria & Process](https://www.cipworldwide.org/admissions/criteria-process/)
    - [Tuition & Fees](https://www.cipworldwide.org/admissions/tuition-fees/)
    - [Apply](https://www.cipworldwide.org/admissions/apply/)
- [Curriculum](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/overview/)
  
  
  
    - [Curriculum Overview](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/overview/)
    - [Social Competencies](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/social-competencies/)
    - [Academic Support](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/academic-support/)
    - [Career Preparation](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/career-preparation/)
    - [Life Skills & Apartment Living](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/life-skills-instruction/)
    - [Student Advising](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/advising/)
    - [Executive Functioning](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/executive-functioning/)
    - [Health & Wellness](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/health-wellness/)
    - [Creative Arts](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/creative-arts/)
- [Programs](https://www.cipworldwide.org/about-cip/services/)
  
  
  
    - [Programs Overview](https://www.cipworldwide.org/about-cip/services/)
    - [Full Year Programs](https://cipworldwide.org/about-cip/services/cip-full-year-program/)
    - [Summer Programs](https://www.cipworldwide.org/summer/)
    - [Graduate Living Community (GLC)](https://cipworldwide.org/glc/)
- [Locations](https://www.cipworldwide.org/our-locations/)
  
  
  
    - [About Our Locations](https://www.cipworldwide.org/our-locations/)
    - [CIP Berkshire](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-berkshire/)
    - [CIP Brevard](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-brevard/)
    - [CIP Bloomington](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-bloomington/)
    - [CIP Berkeley](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-berkeley/)
    - [CIP Long Beach](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-long-beach/)

- = 
    - [Blog](https://cipworldwide.org/blog/)
    - [Events](https://cipworldwide.org/events/)
    - [Alumni](https://cipworldwide.org/alumni/)
    - [Careers at CIP](https://cipworldwide.org/careers/)
    - [Contact Us](https://cipworldwide.org/contact/)

##### [Request Information](https://cipworldwide.org/request-information/)

###### [+1 (877) 566-9247](tel:+1-877-566-9247)

[![CIP Logo - Prepare for Success](https://info.cipworldwide.org/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CIP_January2021/images/2020_CIPLOGO_ALONE.png?width=125&height=729&name=2020_CIPLOGO_ALONE.png "CIP Logo - Prepare for Success")](https://v1.dev.cipworldwide.org)

<https://info.cipworldwide.org/blog/coping-during-covid-19#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aclose%26settings%3DeyJkb19ub3Rfc2hvd19hZ2FpbiI6IiJ9>

- [About](https://www.cipworldwide.org/about-cip/cip-at-a-glance/) 
    - [CIP at a Glance](https://www.cipworldwide.org/about-cip/cip-at-a-glance/)
    - [Our Students](https://www.cipworldwide.org/about-cip/our-students/)
    - [Our Staff](https://www.cipworldwide.org/about-cip/our-staff/)
    - [Advisory Board](https://www.cipworldwide.org/about-cip/professional-advisory-board/)
    - [Outcomes & Statistics](https://www.cipworldwide.org/about-cip/outcomes-statistics/)
    - [FAQs](https://www..cipworldwide.org/about-cip/faqs/)
- [Admissions](https://www.cipworldwide.org/admissions/criteria-process/) 
    - [Criteria & Process](https://www.cipworldwide.org/admissions/criteria-process/)
    - [Tuition & Fees](https://www.cipworldwide.org/admissions/tuition-fees/)
    - [Apply](https://www.cipworldwide.org/admissions/apply/)
- [Curriculum](https://www..cipworldwide.org/curriculum/overview/) 
    - [Curriculum Overview](https://www..cipworldwide.org/curriculum/overview/)
    - [Social Competencies](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/social-competencies/)
    - [Academic Support](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/academic-support/)
    - [Career Preparation](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/career-preparation/)
    - [Life Skills & Apartment Living](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/life-skills-instruction/)
    - [Student Advising](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/advising/)
    - [Executive Functioning](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/executive-functioning/)
    - [Health & Wellness](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/health-wellness/)
    - [Creative Arts](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/creative-arts/)
- [Locations](https://www.cipworldwide.org/our-locations/) 
    - [About Our Locations](https://www.cipworldwide.org/our-locations/)
    - [CIP Berkshire](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-berkshire/)
    - [CIP Brevard](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-brevard/)
    - [CIP Bloomington](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-bloomington/)
    - [CIP Berkeley](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-berkeley/)
    - [CIP Long Beach](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-long-beach/)
- [Programs](https://www.cipworldwide.org/about-cip/services/) 
    - [Programs Overview](https://www.cipworldwide.org/about-cip/services/)
    - [Full Year Programs](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/overview/)
    - [Summer Programs](https://www.cipworldwide.org/summer/)
- More 
    - [Blog](https://www.cipworldwide.org/blog/)
    - [Events](https://www.cipworldwide.org/events/)
    - [Alumni](https://www.cipworldwide.org/alumni/)
    - [Careers at CIP](https://www.cipworldwide.org/careers/)
    - [Contact](https://www.cipworldwide.org/contact/)
    - [COVID-19](https://www.cipworldwide.org/covid-19)

[Request Information](https://cipworldwide.org/request-information/)

[Call (877) 566-9247](tel:+1-877-566-9247)

[Contact Us via Email](mailto:admissions@cipworldwide.org)

![](https://info.cipworldwide.org/hubfs/Be%20Prepared%20sign%20with%20sky%20background.jpeg)

- Staff Contribution

# Coping During COVID-19: Strategies to Reinforce Executive Functioning Skills During Times of Change

 

[By Crystal Hayes, Interim Program Director, College Internship Program ](https://autismspectrumnews.org/the-journey-to-self-determination/)

<https://autismspectrumnews.org/the-journey-to-self-determination/>As the world enters a perpetual state of “new normal” due to the COVID-19 pandemic, previously developed routines and coping skills may not be readily accessible – or may not work at all.  
<https://autismspectrumnews.org/the-journey-to-self-determination/>

Along with the closing of many schools and workplaces, drastically changing societal norms, community restrictions, and frequent fluctuation in how everyday tasks are to be conducted have made the world an overwhelming place to navigate, especially for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Individuals with ASD often find change difficult to manage, particularly when the parameters are not clearly defined.

 

Studies indicate that nearly 40% of young people with ASD are estimated to have at least one anxiety disorder (van Steensel, Bögels & Perrin, 2011). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2020), increased levels of anxiety and stress as a result of the pandemic can lead to fear, changes in self-care patterns, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, and worsening mental health conditions.

 

[![Read Article](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/514277/82e0e7af-72e7-43bc-9132-dbb5e4c4aec6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/514277/82e0e7af-72e7-43bc-9132-dbb5e4c4aec6)

 

### About the Author: Crystal Hayes

Crystal Hayes, M.Ed. is the recipient of our 2015-2016 Staff of the Year Award. Her education includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Instrumental Music Education from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, and a Master of Education degree in Special Education from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Crystal’s passion is student success, and she believes each step toward goal attainment is worth celebrating!

## Related Articles

- [Navigating the Transition to Independent Living](https://info.cipworldwide.org/blog/navigating-the-transition-to-independent-living)
- [CIP 2023-2024 - Empower YOU!](https://info.cipworldwide.org/blog/cip-2023-2024-empower-you)
- [Accessing Accommodations and Resources to Achieve Academic Success](https://info.cipworldwide.org/blog/accessing-accommodations-and-resources-to-achieve-academic-success)
- [Mary Sokolowski, CIP National Enrollment Specialist, on Parenting Impossible](https://info.cipworldwide.org/blog/cip-nes-mary-sokolowski-parenting-impossible)
- [Packing It All In: Traveling Tips for Neurodiverse Students](https://info.cipworldwide.org/blog/travelingtipsforneurodiversestudents)

### Share this Article

Share on facebook

 Facebook

Share on twitter

 Twitter

Share on linkedin

 LinkedIn

Share on email

 Email

#### Locations

- [Lee, Massachusetts](https://cipworldwide.org/cip-berkshire/)
- [Melbourne, Florida](https://cipworldwide.org/cip-brevard/)
- [Bloomington, Indiana](https://cipworldwide.org/cip-bloomington/)
- [Berkeley, California](https://cipworldwide.org/cip-berkeley/)
- [Long Beach, California](https://cipworldwide.org/cip-long-beach/)

#### Programs

- [Independent Living Support](https://cipworldwide.org/curriculum/life-skills-instruction/)
- [Social Skills Supports](https://cipworldwide.org/curriculum/social-competencies/)
- [Autism & LD College Programs](https://cipworldwide.org/curriculum/academic-support/)
- [Autism & LD Summer Programs](https://cipworldwide.org/summer/)
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://cipworldwide.org/about-cip/faqs/)

#### About CIP

We’ve been helping young adults on the autism spectrum and with learning differences find success in college, employment, and independent living since 1984.

Learn more about one of the world’s most comprehensive programs for young adults with learning differences

[Request Information](https://cipworldwide.org/request-information/)

OR

[+1 (877) 566-9247](tel:+1-877-566-9247)

![Logo](https://info.cipworldwide.org/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CIP_January2021/images/cip_email-footer_OL.png)

[![placeholder_200x200](https://info.cipworldwide.org/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CIP_January2021/images/facebook.png?width=128&name=facebook.png "placeholder_200x200")](http://www.facebook.com/collegeinternshipprogram)

[![YouTube Icon](https://info.cipworldwide.org/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CIP_January2021/images/youtube.png?width=128&name=youtube.png "YouTube Icon")](http://www.youtube.com/collegeinternship)

[![placeholder_200x200](https://info.cipworldwide.org/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CIP_January2021/images/twitter.png?width=128&name=twitter.png "placeholder_200x200")](https://twitter.com/CIPAdmissions)

[![Linkedin Icon](https://info.cipworldwide.org/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CIP_January2021/images/linkedin.png?width=128&name=linkedin.png "Linkedin Icon")](https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-internship-program/)

[![Instagram Icon](https://info.cipworldwide.org/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CIP_January2021/images/instagram.png?width=128&name=instagram.png "Instagram Icon")](https://www.instagram.com/cipworldwide/)

- [Terms of Use](https://cipworldwide.org/terms-of-use/)
- [Privacy Policy](https://cipworldwide.org/privacy-policy/)
- [Accessibility](https://cipworldwide.org/accessibility/)

© 2023 College Internship Program. All rights reserved.

+ Site Map

- [About](https://www.cipworldwide.org/about-cip/cip-at-a-glance/) 
    - [CIP at a Glance](https://www.cipworldwide.org/about-cip/cip-at-a-glance/)
    - [Our Students](https://www.cipworldwide.org/about-cip/our-students/)
    - [Our Staff](https://www.cipworldwide.org/about-cip/our-staff/)
    - [Advisory Board](https://www.cipworldwide.org/about-cip/professional-advisory-board/)
    - [Outcomes & Statistics](https://www.cipworldwide.org/about-cip/outcomes-statistics/)
    - [FAQs](https://www.cipworldwide.org/about-cip/faqs/)
- [Admissions](https://www.cipworldwide.org/admissions/criteria-process/) 
    - [Criteria & Process](https://www.cipworldwide.org/admissions/criteria-process/)
    - [Tuition & Fees](https://www.cipworldwide.org/admissions/tuition-fees/)
    - [Apply](https://www.cipworldwide.org/admissions/apply/)
- [Curriculum](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/overview/) 
    - [Curriculum Overview](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/overview/)
    - [Social Competencies](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/social-competencies/)
    - [Academic Support](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/academic-support/)
    - [Career Preparation](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/career-preparation/)
    - [Life Skills & Apartment Living](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/life-skills-instruction/)
    - [Advising](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/advising/)
    - [Executive Functioning](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/executive-functioning/)
    - [Health & Wellness](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/health-wellness/)
    - [Creative Arts](https://www.cipworldwide.org/curriculum/creative-arts/)
- [Programs](https://www.cipworldwide.org/about-cip/services/) 
    - [Programs Overview](https://www.cipworldwide.org/about-cip/services/)
    - [Full Year](https://cipworldwide.org/about-cip/services/cip-full-year-program/)
    - [Summer@CIP](https://www.cipworldwide.org/summer/)
    - [Graduate Living Community (GLC)](https://www.cipworldwide.org/glc/)
- More 
    - [Blog](https://www.cipworldwide.org/blog/)
    - [Events](https://www.cipworldwide.org/events/)
    - [Alumni](https://www.cipworldwide.org/alumni/)
    - [Careers at CIP](https://www.cipworldwide.org/careers/)
    - [Contact Us](https://www.cipworldwide.org/contact/)

- CIP Berkshire 
    - [Overview](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-berkshire/)
    - [Student Life](https://www..cipworldwide.org/cip-berkshire/student-life/)
    - [College Academics](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-berkshire/college-academic-support/)
    - [Apartment Living](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-berkshire/berkshire-apartment-living/)
    - [Internships & Jobs](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-berkshire/internships-jobs/)
    - [Staff Profiles](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-berkshire/berkshire-staff-profiles/)
- CIP Brevard 
    - [Overview](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-brevard/)
    - [Student Life](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-brevard/student-life/)
    - [College Academics](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-brevard/college-academic-support/)
    - [Apartment Living](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-brevard/brevard-apartment-living/)
    - [Internships & Jobs](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-brevard/internships-jobs/)
    - [Staff Profiles](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-brevard/brevard-staff-profiles/)
- CIP Bloomington 
    - [Overview](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-bloomington/)
    - [Student Life](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-bloomington/student-life/)
    - [College Academics](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-bloomington/college-academic-supports/)
    - [Apartment Living](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-bloomington/apartment-living/)
    - [Internships & Jobs](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-bloomington/internships-jobs/)
    - [Staff Profiles](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-bloomington/bloomington-staff-profiles/)
- CIP Berkeley 
    - [Overview](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-berkeley/)
    - [Student Life](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-berkeley/student-life/)
    - [College Academics](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-berkeley/college-academic-support/)
    - [Apartment Living](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-berkeley/berkeley-apartment-living/)
    - [Internships & Jobs](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-berkeley/internships-jobs/)
    - [Staff Profiles](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-berkeley/berkeley-staff-profiles/)
- CIP Long Beach 
    - [Overview](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-long-beach/)
    - [Student Life](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-long-beach/student-life/)
    - [College Academics](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-long-beach/college-academics/)
    - [Apartment Living](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-long-beach/long-beach-apartment-living/)
    - [Internships & Jobs](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-long-beach/internships-jobs/)
    - [Staff Profiles](https://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-long-beach/long-beach-staff-profiles/)