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CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) & AUTISM RESOURCES

The following is a list of websites, articles, and fact sheets which offer information about helping individuals with autism and related disabilities during a COVID-19 outbreak. This page will be updated periodically as the situation evolves and new resources are published.

GENERAL COVID-19 RESOURCES

“COVID-19 Resources for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Their Care Providers”
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
“Disability considerations during the COVID-19 outbreak”
World Health Organization
“COVID-19 Resources for People With Disabilities, Families, and Service Providers”
The Arc

RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES & CAREGIVERS

Can I Stay With My Family Member in the Hospital If They Have a Disability? Yes!
Exceptional Lives
“Impact of COVID-19 on Families and Children with Autism”
Simons Powering Autism Research, Simons Foundation
“Coronavirus Tests Can Be Scary for Kids. Here’s How to Make Them Easier”
New York Times
Helping people with autism spectrum disorder manage masks and COVID-19 tests
Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School
Strategies to support teens and young adults with autism spectrum disorder during COVID-19
Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School
“Supporting individuals with autism through uncertain times”
School of Education and Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
“Caring for children and adolescents with autism during COVID-19”
American Psychological Association/Autism Speaks
“Advice for caregivers of children with disabilities in the era of COVID-19”
American Psychological Association
“Pandemic emergency planning for families of children with disabilities”
Marisa Howard-Karp and Julie McKinney, Exceptional Lives
“COVID-19 Resources for Families and Individuals”
National Autism Association
“How to Talk About COVID-19 with People Who Have Autism”
NPR Health
“How to Explain a Global Health Crisis to Children with Autism”
Katherine K.M. Stavropoulos Ph.D., Neuroscience in Translation, Psychology Today
“Coronavirus Response for Families With Autism”
Autism New Jersey
Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)” 
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
“Supporting Children With Autism During the Coronavirus Outbreak”
Child Mind Institute
“Sesame Street Clip Helps Kids With Autism Learn to Wear a Mask”
Today Parents

RESOURCES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM

What You Should Know Show: COVID-19 Edition
Florida Center for Inclusive Communities/UCEDD
What You Should Know Show: Vaccination Edition
Florida Center for Inclusive Communities/UCEDD
“Plain Language COVID-19 Resources”
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
“Plain Language COVID-19 Resources”
The Arc
“COVID-19 Testing Resources”
Department of Developmental Services, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

ADULT RESOURCES

“COVID-19: Tips and Resources for Autistic People and Families”
Autism Speaks
Making Mask-Wearing Easier for Autistic Adults and Those with Sensory Needs
Autism Speaks


EDUCATION RESOURCES

“Making Special Education Work for Your Child during COVID-19
Harvard Health Publishing
Families of Students with Special Needs Walk a Tightrope Between Safety, Falling Behind in Remote Learning
WBGH News
“Special education rights and coronavirus (COVID-19)”
Moor, Perlman & Gregg, LLC
Questions and Answers on Providing Services to Children with Disabilities During a COVID-19 Outbreak
U.S. Department of Education
“Supporting Students with ASD at Home During COVID-19”
University of Louisville, Kentucky Autism Training Center

MEETING AAC NEEDS DURING COVID-19

“Practical ideas to address the Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) needs of Children with Disabilities during COVID-19”
Kerry Davis EdD
Spaulding Lexington for Children
Massachusetts Advocates for Children

PREPARING FOR A HOSPITAL OR MEDICAL VISIT

“Disability COVID-19 Forms: Preparing Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities for Medical Treatment at Hospitals”
Ballan, M. & Perri, C., Stony Brook University
“Preparing your child with autism for a hospital visit during COVID-19”
Boston Children’s Hospital

 COVID-19 & AUTISM IN THE NEWS

“Pandemic means Americans with disabilities aren’t getting the services they need”
May 11, 2020
PBS NewsHour
“A time of unprecedented fear for parents of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities”
April 3, 2020
Caitlin Gibson, Washington Post
“Americans With Disabilities Are Terrified”
April 3, 2020
Elaine Godfrey, The Atlantic
“Helping autistic kids cope with the chaos and uncertainty of coronavirus“
March 17, 2020
Jackie Spinner, Washington Post

MASSACHUSETTS

“Special Education Services in Massachusetts during COVID-19 Questions and Answers”
Massachusetts Advocates for Children
“Massachusetts DDS COVID-19 Resources and Support”
Department of Developmental Services, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Family Resource Toolbox for Families with Children with Disabilities
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
“As Outbreak Spreads, State Says Mass. Public Schools Must Educate Students With Disabilities”
Max Larkin, WBUR

 

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