35 | Lockdown, Social Skills & Communication Delays | Lenora Edwards
For many families, the lockdown feels like something that happened years ago and should be behind us. But for children, especially those who were very young during that time, its effects are still showing up in real and sometimes surprising ways. Social confidence, communication skills, emotional regulation, and even everyday interactions may look very different than they would have without that long period of isolation.
In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene is joined again by Lenora Edwards to talk about how the pandemic affected children’s language development and social learning. Lenora explains what happened when children lost access to everyday face-to-face interaction, masked communication, and natural opportunities to observe and practice social behavior in the world around them.
This is a helpful conversation for parents, caregivers, educators, and therapists who are noticing that some children seem unsure of what to say, how to read social situations, or how to move through everyday interactions with confidence.
Listen to the Full Episode
Listen to this episode for practical insight into how lockdown affected social communication and what families can do now to rebuild those skills with support and intention.
Memorable Quote
“It’s our responsibility as the community, as people of this world, to help them communicate.”
In This Episode We Discuss
How lockdown affected language exposure in early childhood
Why masks changed how children learned facial expression and tone
The difference between in-person communication and screens or texting
Why some children now feel stuck in everyday social situations
How to help children build confidence in real-world communication
Why modeling is such an important teaching tool
How parents can create safe, low-pressure social practice
When it may be time to seek speech or communication support
Key Themes From the Conversation
Children lost more than just time during lockdown
One of the strongest themes in this episode is that children did not only lose school or routine during lockdown. Many also lost daily exposure to the little social moments that help build communication. Hearing people in stores, watching faces, taking turns in conversations, and navigating small interactions all matter more than we sometimes realize.
Social communication is learned through real-life practice
Lenora makes a really important point throughout the conversation: these skills do not always develop automatically. Children need exposure, practice, and support. When those opportunities disappeared or were reduced, many kids missed out on building confidence with things like tone, body language, humor, greetings, problem-solving, and social flexibility.
Screens cannot replace real interaction
Texting, gaming, and digital communication may still involve interaction, but they do not always teach the same skills as in-person communication. Children may be able to swipe away from conflict, avoid a difficult moment, or miss the social cues they would normally need to respond to face-to-face. That can leave big gaps in development.
Parents can help rebuild these skills
The good news from this episode is that these skills can still be taught and strengthened. Lenora talks about modeling, practice, gentle exposure, and creating real opportunities for children to communicate in everyday situations. It is not about pressure. It is about support and repetition.
Common Questions Parents Ask
Why does my child seem unsure of what to say in simple social situations?
Many children missed a lot of natural social learning during lockdown, especially if they were very young at the time. They may need more modeling and guided practice now to build those skills back up.
Can screens and texting replace in-person communication practice?
Not really. They may offer some interaction, but they do not provide the same experience with tone, facial expression, body language, turn-taking, and problem-solving in real time.
How can I help my child build these skills without overwhelming them?
Start small and model first. Everyday moments like ordering food, talking to a cashier, holding a door, or asking for help can become safe ways to practice communication with support.
Why This Conversation Matters for Families
Some children are not struggling because they are unwilling. They may simply be missing skills that were harder to learn during a very unusual time in development. That can be frustrating for both children and adults, especially when the gap is not always obvious right away.
This conversation gives families a more compassionate lens and a practical path forward. It helps explain why some social and emotional skills feel harder now and reminds us that with support, practice, and patience, children can continue to grow.
Resources Mentioned
Better Speech
BetterSpeech.com
Speech therapy for social communication
Online speech therapy consultations
About the Guest
Lenora Edwards is a TEDx speaker and Chief Knowledge Officer with Better Speech. She is a speech-language pathologist with broad experience supporting communication across the lifespan, including social communication, language delays, and developmental differences.
Related Resources for Parents
If you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy these resources:
Positive Behavior Strategies for Neurodivergent Children at Home and School
Sensory Processing 101: Understanding Your Child’s Sensory Needs
Understanding Autism Meltdowns: What They Are and How to Support Your Child
Home-Based Therapy: 5 Benefits of In-Home Pediatric Care for Children with Disabilities
Explore more parent resources at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com/blog
