COVID-19 Resources for Families with Children Who Experience Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) & OCCYSHN – COVID-19 Resources for Families of CYSHCN
This handout features links to credible sources of information for families of CYSHCN during the COVID-19 pandemic. On OHA’s COVID-19 Updates page, under Resources for the Community > People with Disabilities, you will find this translated into 10 other languages.
ECHO Autism Partners from University of Missouri – Parent Resources During COVID-19
This page features resources on activities to do at home, helping with behavior and hygiene, setting up school at home, and other parenting tips. New and updated resources continually added.
Social Thinking (Michelle Garcia Winner) – Free Stuff to Use at Home & School
This page features read-aloud books, SuperFlex songs, Thinksheets, video lessons and webinars on social learning that can be accessed for free – all updated weekly.
Columbia Regional Program – Setting Up Home Instruction for Students with ASD: A How-To Guide for Parents
Developed by autism specialists at one of Oregon’s Regional Programs, this guide features practical strategies and tools for parents to help their children stay engaged and motivated to learn and complete tasks.
Autism Society of America (ASA) – COVID-19 Toolkits
The Autism Society of America is the leading organization providing resources, education, advocacy and support for individuals and families living with autism. On this page, you will find COVID-19 toolkits for families that cover topics such as lifestyle supports, modifying routines, and education during this time.
Autism Focused Intervention Resources & Modules (AFIRM) – COVID-19 Toolkit: Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times
This toolkit developed with the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at UNC provides 7 support strategies are designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with autism during this period of uncertainty. Examples and ready-made resources are also included to help caregivers implement these strategies quickly and easily.
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Treatment & Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (VKC TRIAD) – Families First Online Education Series
Join the VKC TRIAD’s Families First team for a series of web-based educational opportunities for caregivers of young children with autism. These will include information on topics such as how to schedule your day at home during this time, how to structure specific activities within your day, and how to continue to work on goal areas while services may be paused.
Social Stories to Help Explain COVID-19
Carol Gray – My Story about Pandemics and the Coronavirus
Little Puddins – Coronavirus Social Story for Younger Children
Additional COVID-19 Resource Pages for Families with Children Who Experience ASD
National Autism Association – COVID-19 Resources for Families
Autism Speaks – COVID-19 Information and Resources
Toileting Resources for Families with Children Who Experience Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – Toilet Training Autism Toolkit
The AAP Patient Education Handouts site offers evidence-based Autism toolkits that cover a variety of topics, including toilet training.
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Treatment & Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (VKC TRIAD) – Evidence-Based Instructional Practices, Toilet Training
This website is intended to serve as an introduction to a selection of evidence-based practices that can be used to teach new skills to young children.
Toilet Training and Autism Spectrum Disorders Pamphlet
This pamphlet is written for parents and caregivers of young children with autism spectrum disorders who are beginning the process of toilet training.
Seattle Children’s Hospital, Autism 200 Presentation Series – Autism 209: Toilet Training for Individuals with Autism and Developmental Disabilities
Dr. Mendy Minjarez, a behavioral psychologist at Seattle Children’s Autism Center, will review best practices for addressing toilet training goals for children with autism or other developmental disabilities.
Autism Speaks – Toilet (Potty) Training Resource Page
Autism Speaks is the largest autism advocacy organization in the United States and has also developed toolkits for families to explore.
Family Resource – Autism Echo #3
Everybody Needs a Turn – A book for siblings of children with Social Communication Differences available from ASHA $17-$22
Autism Speaks – 3page easy to read roadmap
SSI Child Disability Tool Kit – What you should know before you apply for SSI Disability Benefits for a child.
General Resouces for Families with Children Who Experience Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Setting up Home Instruction for Students with ASD: A How-to Guide for Parents
This site has free classes on 27 evidence based practices for people with autism.
Michelle Garcia Winner is a Speech Language Pathologist who has spent her career helping students and adults develop social skills. Currently there are a number of free webinars, and there have been discounts offered on books etc. https://www.socialthinking.com/
Social Communication Differences: a discussion of markers for differential diagnosis in ASD. (slides from OHSU)
Regarding local peer support for parents: Mom may need some support and help with management of behaviors. Connect her with peers through the Southern Oregon chapter of Autism Society of Oregon (ASO) or Bridging Communities in Medford (p: 541-690-6542). These groups are already switching over to virtual activities.