COVID-19 Resources for Families and Individuals

Teaching Tools for Individuals with Autism:

• What’s COVID-19? Click here.
• Coronavirus Social Story via Little Puddins:  https://littlepuddins.ie/coronavirus-social-story/
• Handwashing Visual Steps via n2y: Click here.
• CDC Handwashing Guide for Families: https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/pdf/family_handwashing-508.pdf

Tips for Caregivers and Individuals:

• Article on Coping with Routine Disruption:  https://themighty.com/2020/03/covid-19-autism-routine-disruption/
• Article on Managing Quarantine as an Adult on the Spectrum:
• A Guide on How to Help Kids and Family Members: https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/fact-sheet/outbreak_factsheet_1.pdf
• Article Explaining, and How to Explain, a Global Health Crisis to Children and Individuals with Autism: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/neuroscience-in-translation/202003/how-explain-global-health-crisis-children-autism
• Article on Coping with the Lockdown:  https://www.spectrumnews.org/opinion/viewpoint/how-to-help-autistic-children-cope-with-pandemic-lockdowns/
• US Dept. of Education Q&A on Providing Services to Children with Disabilities During the Coronavirus Disease Outbreak:  Click here.
• A Toolbox for caregivers on various topics related to COVID19:  https://www.debrechildpsychiatry.org/toolbox
• Calming Techniques & Tips for Adults on the Spectrum:  

How to Practice Social Distancing for Individuals & Families:

• Article: What is Social Distancing? https://themighty.com/2020/03/covid-19-what-is-social-distancing
• Social Distancing Tips: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends keeping 6 to 10 feet between yourself and others as much as possible. Many states have banned large gatherings of more than 250 people.  Even if you’re in a small group, experts recommend keeping at least 6 feet between people and practicing good hygiene, especially washing your hands often. The CDC also recommends:

• Cancel travel plans
• Stay home when you are sick
• Limit your movement within and outside your community
• Reduce your number of visitors
• Work from home if possible
• Transition meetings and gatherings online
• Try to visit grocery stores and other public establishments at less-crowded times

Local Resources for Families & Individuals:  https://yellowpagesforkids.com 

Information on Stimulus Payments/SSI:  https://disabilityscoop.com/2020/04/16/stimulus-checks-now-automatic-for-people-on-ssi/28174/

Additional Articles:

• Which Face Masks Prevent Against Coronavirus?
• How Is the New Coronavirus Treated?
• How to Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer
• What You Should Know About Social Distancing During COVID-19
• 8 Soaps You Can Use to Help Prevent the Spread of Illness
• 10 Face Masks People With Chronic Illness Recommend

Other Issues to Consider:

• Maintaining Wandering Prevention in the Home:  https://nationalautismassociation.org/store/#!/NAAs-Be-REDy-Booklet-for-Caregivers/p/57859415/category=23350149
• Preventing & Responding to Pica: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/pica.html
• How to Create a Sensory Room: https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-create-a-sensory-room-for-your-autistic-child-4686413
• DIY Sensory Items Booklet via ASA Oregon: http://autismsocietyoregon.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Sensory-booklet.pdf