Checking back in on everyone during the weirdest Autism Awareness Month ever – Autism In The Time Of Corona. We are existing in uncertainty and adjusting to what is being called a “new normal” (which is laughable for autism parents, who never really had an “old” normal). It seems that with everything being inundated by COVID-19 that the world is even less aware of autism.
I live in Pennsylvania, where it was recently announced that schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic year. I know many of you in different parts of the country are also in the same boat. For most of us autism parents this means new questions, new challenges, and maybe running of tools in the toolbox. If you are like me, you’ve been scouring the internet for tips and resources to help during this indefinite, challenging time.
So I’m sharing below some of the resources that I’ve found to be beneficial. I hope that you find some helpful information for both you and your child.
COVID-19 Autism Online Resource Roundup
Autism Research Institute
For more than 50 years, the Autism Research Institute (ARI) has served as a premier resource on autism for parents, professionals, and researchers. To help families during this difficult time ARI is offering a series of webinars, downloadable social stories, and video aids. You can attend to the webinars live (with more being added!) or listen to those previously recorded.
Echo Autism
Echo Autism creates access to high quality specialty care in local communities through telementoring. Their website features lots of COVID-19 resources, and they are continually updating. There are sections specifically for health and wellness, resources for schooling at home (including lots of printables, science project ideas, virtual field trips, and lots more), and materials for doing different therapies at home. They even have an “all the ideas, all in one place” section for parents that is organized by subject, has a calendar of virtual events, and a resource library that you can download to Google Drive.
Child Mind Institute
Child Mind Institute aims to positively transform the lives of children and families struggling with mental health issues and learning disorders, including autism. They have resources for autism parents and caregivers, and also offer telehealth evaluations and treatment, family resources for remote learning, and tips for managing behavior, anxiety, and grief.
Council for Exceptional Children
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, and sets professional standards for special education professionals. CEC is currently offering a a variety of resources for teaching remotely. While they are aimed at professional educators, I think they are very helpful to we parents who’ve become de facto home school teachers as well. These include educational companies offering free subscriptions due to school closings, tips for talking about coronavirus, online fun aids and learning games, and self-care for educators.
Autism Resource Central
Massachusetts-based Autism Resource Central is an information based referral service for children and families affected by autism. If you are looking for social stories dealing specifically issues related to COVID19, they feature a wide variety available for both children and adults on the spectrum. Topics include quarantine, social distancing, and wearing masks.
Please share any and all resources, tips, and advice that you’ve found helpful during this time of uncertainty.
My autism journey has changed the way I live and care for my family. I am passionate about nontoxic products, natural remedies, grain-free nutrition, essential oils, and healing the symptoms known as autism. This is a space for anyone aspiring toward cleaner, healthier living.
XO Joanna
