Coronavirus Calendar & Resources
The age of coronavirus and COVID-19 is an especially challenging time for individuals, caretakers, and families in the autism community. We've created this page in order to share some resources that may be helpful, a place to easily find some handy information you can use right now--listings of remote events and activities, resources related to the new and added challenges of quarantine life, webinars, and more. Suggestions and additions are always welcome! Please email asasfba@gmail.com.
Remote Events & Recreation
Monday, January 25: Solo Parenting - Online Support Group for Parents who are Single
Time: 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Online: More information here.
What: This group is for divorced, widowed, or single parents who are navigating life for their family single-handedly, including the role of parent to someone with special needs. Join to talk with others who are in your shoes.This group is facilitated by volunteer Christine Headley. Christine works for the Santa Clara County Office of Education as a school nurse. She is raising three children with an alphabet soup of diagnoses. Her favorite thing about PHP is the resources available to families in the community.
Getting together and having others to talk with reduces feelings of disconnection. You are not alone. Together we’re better!
Time: 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Online: More information here.
What: This group is for divorced, widowed, or single parents who are navigating life for their family single-handedly, including the role of parent to someone with special needs. Join to talk with others who are in your shoes.This group is facilitated by volunteer Christine Headley. Christine works for the Santa Clara County Office of Education as a school nurse. She is raising three children with an alphabet soup of diagnoses. Her favorite thing about PHP is the resources available to families in the community.
Getting together and having others to talk with reduces feelings of disconnection. You are not alone. Together we’re better!
Tuesday, January 26: The BFF Project - Everyone Needs a BFF!
Time: 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Where: Online through Zoom: More information here.
What: The BFF Project provides an opportunity to increase the social pool for adults with autism and developmental disabilities.Join us as we continue to socialize virtually in this time of social distance.
We do expect parents and supporters to monitor their participant’s online safety as for some this is still a newer way of interacting and they may need that level of support. Parents /Supporters do not actively participate in the sessions but may need to support the set up of the Zoom app and be tech support. We recruit volunteers to help participants and to facilitate interaction. If your participant is only able to be at ease with you at their side, we welcome you to join as well!
The BFF Project Weekly Tuesdays @ 2 PM are not a single-topic event or opportunity. It is all based on the interests of all the people participating. This is a judgment-free and stigma-free environment. Participants have the opportunity to grow in their relationships and find companionship with others that share their interests.
Join the topic room of your choice and maybe find your Best Friend.
YOU MUST Register in advance for this meeting.
Registration Closes at 2 PM the day before the event.
Time: 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Where: Online through Zoom: More information here.
What: The BFF Project provides an opportunity to increase the social pool for adults with autism and developmental disabilities.Join us as we continue to socialize virtually in this time of social distance.
We do expect parents and supporters to monitor their participant’s online safety as for some this is still a newer way of interacting and they may need that level of support. Parents /Supporters do not actively participate in the sessions but may need to support the set up of the Zoom app and be tech support. We recruit volunteers to help participants and to facilitate interaction. If your participant is only able to be at ease with you at their side, we welcome you to join as well!
The BFF Project Weekly Tuesdays @ 2 PM are not a single-topic event or opportunity. It is all based on the interests of all the people participating. This is a judgment-free and stigma-free environment. Participants have the opportunity to grow in their relationships and find companionship with others that share their interests.
Join the topic room of your choice and maybe find your Best Friend.
YOU MUST Register in advance for this meeting.
Registration Closes at 2 PM the day before the event.
Tuesday, January 26: Share a Song From Your Childhood
Time: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Where: Online: RSVP here.
What: Think of a favorite song from your childhood to share with your friends on Zoom. Tell us why this song was your favorite, and feel free to dance and sing along!
Time: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Where: Online: RSVP here.
What: Think of a favorite song from your childhood to share with your friends on Zoom. Tell us why this song was your favorite, and feel free to dance and sing along!
Thursdays Bi-Weekly: Facebook Live with the Dream Achievers Band
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Where: Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/dreamachieversband
What: LIVE VIRTUAL CONCERTS WITH THE DREAM ACHIEVERS BAND (Performing Artists with Autism). Typically held on Thursdays at 12:30pm (Pacific Time), live streaming on Facebook. As we adjust to life and shelter-in-place, we hope to bring you musical joy while we light it up blue and follow proper social distancing. The band would love to have you join us to bring communities together during this difficult time. Check their Facebook events page for upcoming concert dates and times HERE.
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Where: Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/dreamachieversband
What: LIVE VIRTUAL CONCERTS WITH THE DREAM ACHIEVERS BAND (Performing Artists with Autism). Typically held on Thursdays at 12:30pm (Pacific Time), live streaming on Facebook. As we adjust to life and shelter-in-place, we hope to bring you musical joy while we light it up blue and follow proper social distancing. The band would love to have you join us to bring communities together during this difficult time. Check their Facebook events page for upcoming concert dates and times HERE.
Thursdays Weekly: Adults on the Autism Spectrum Support Group
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom Meeting ID: 859-274-680
Zoom link*: https://zoom.us/j/859274680?pwd=N1FQMkRUWHd6SmkvWUN4Q2FDUWN2QT09
*Password protected access. Please e-mail lisa-sun@mentalhealthsf.org to receive the password to join this recurring meeting.
What: A weekly, supportive space for peers who identify as adults on the autism spectrum to share their successes, challenges, and deepen their understanding of autism. Peer facilitated, drop-in support group, no long term commitment, no advanced registration. Presented by Mental Health Association of San Francisco. This is an in-person support group that will be held online through April. To call in rather than Zoom, please use this number: 1-669-900-6833 (San Jose). Enter the Meeting ID and press the password onto the keypad. To mute and un-mute yourself, press *6
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom Meeting ID: 859-274-680
Zoom link*: https://zoom.us/j/859274680?pwd=N1FQMkRUWHd6SmkvWUN4Q2FDUWN2QT09
*Password protected access. Please e-mail lisa-sun@mentalhealthsf.org to receive the password to join this recurring meeting.
What: A weekly, supportive space for peers who identify as adults on the autism spectrum to share their successes, challenges, and deepen their understanding of autism. Peer facilitated, drop-in support group, no long term commitment, no advanced registration. Presented by Mental Health Association of San Francisco. This is an in-person support group that will be held online through April. To call in rather than Zoom, please use this number: 1-669-900-6833 (San Jose). Enter the Meeting ID and press the password onto the keypad. To mute and un-mute yourself, press *6
Virtual Magical Bridge Concerts, Sing-a-longs
These events have passed, but you can view the recorded concerts.
What: Every performance is family-friendly, sensory-friendly, multigenerational, and welcomes everyBODY. Kindly visit the Magical Bridge Facebook Page every day at noon PST to participate.
Visit the Magical Bridge website for upcoming performances and links to past performances like: Andy Z!'s Virtual Concert, Music Therapist Mai Abe's Virtual Sing-a-Long, Lori and RJ's Virtual Concert, and much more.
These events have passed, but you can view the recorded concerts.
What: Every performance is family-friendly, sensory-friendly, multigenerational, and welcomes everyBODY. Kindly visit the Magical Bridge Facebook Page every day at noon PST to participate.
Visit the Magical Bridge website for upcoming performances and links to past performances like: Andy Z!'s Virtual Concert, Music Therapist Mai Abe's Virtual Sing-a-Long, Lori and RJ's Virtual Concert, and much more.
Coronavirus Share & Care Webinar: Activities and Tips for Cooped-Up Autism Families
This live event has passed. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE RECORDING
What: Join Amanda N Kelly, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA in an interactive forum focusing on tips for home activities for children and adults with autism with a focus on more severe end of the spectrum. Ideas for skill building, exercise and fun, maintaining your sanity, and most of all, managing behavior. Plus ideas for apps and other tablet options. Guests: Amanda Kelly is the host of the Behaviorbabe podcast and the behaviorbabe.com website. Moderator: Feda Almaliti, Vice President, NCSA.
This live event has passed. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE RECORDING
What: Join Amanda N Kelly, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA in an interactive forum focusing on tips for home activities for children and adults with autism with a focus on more severe end of the spectrum. Ideas for skill building, exercise and fun, maintaining your sanity, and most of all, managing behavior. Plus ideas for apps and other tablet options. Guests: Amanda Kelly is the host of the Behaviorbabe podcast and the behaviorbabe.com website. Moderator: Feda Almaliti, Vice President, NCSA.
SCDD's Ideas for Activities While Sheltering In Place (PDF)
Link: https://scdd.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2020/03/ENG-FINAL-Activities-While-Sheltering-In-Place-3-18-2020-rev-2..pdf
What: Keep busy at home ticking off some of these ideas for young kids and up.
Link: https://scdd.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2020/03/ENG-FINAL-Activities-While-Sheltering-In-Place-3-18-2020-rev-2..pdf
What: Keep busy at home ticking off some of these ideas for young kids and up.
Coronavirus Webinars & Videos
Regional Center Services During the Coronavirus Crisis
This event has passed. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE RECORDING.
What: Our interactive webinar features Nancy Bargmann, director DDS, and DDS staff to discuss regional center supports during this time. FREE, but pre-registration is required. Register at the following link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4444989467720338446
There will be time for attendee Q&A. The event will be recorded and posted to this page.
This event has passed. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE RECORDING.
What: Our interactive webinar features Nancy Bargmann, director DDS, and DDS staff to discuss regional center supports during this time. FREE, but pre-registration is required. Register at the following link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4444989467720338446
There will be time for attendee Q&A. The event will be recorded and posted to this page.
Community Forum on Coronavirus Crisis
This live event has passed. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE RECORDING
What: Join our community in discussing the challenges facing autism families during the Coronavirus crisis. Based on your comments, advice and questions, guests Lee Wachtel, MD, Medical Director, Neurobehavioral Unit, Kennedy Krieger Institute, and Alycia Halladay, PhD, Chief Science Officer, Autism Science Foundation, will join NCSA President Jill Escher and Vice President Feda Almaliti in the discussion. Please share your stories, worries, questions, and comments ahead of time or during the event. The platform is GoToWebinar, and your input will be made via typing in the Question box during the event. Or email us beforehand at info@ncsautism.org.
This live event has passed. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE RECORDING
What: Join our community in discussing the challenges facing autism families during the Coronavirus crisis. Based on your comments, advice and questions, guests Lee Wachtel, MD, Medical Director, Neurobehavioral Unit, Kennedy Krieger Institute, and Alycia Halladay, PhD, Chief Science Officer, Autism Science Foundation, will join NCSA President Jill Escher and Vice President Feda Almaliti in the discussion. Please share your stories, worries, questions, and comments ahead of time or during the event. The platform is GoToWebinar, and your input will be made via typing in the Question box during the event. Or email us beforehand at info@ncsautism.org.
Resources for the New Reality: Coronavirus in the Special Needs Community
This live event has passed. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE RECORDING
What: Presented by Autism Society Inland Empire on March 19. Tips on how to structure the day, what services are available in your home, educational resources, handling sensory issues at home, can you receive speech and OT using Telehealth? The recording includes responses to audience questions.
This live event has passed. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE RECORDING
What: Presented by Autism Society Inland Empire on March 19. Tips on how to structure the day, what services are available in your home, educational resources, handling sensory issues at home, can you receive speech and OT using Telehealth? The recording includes responses to audience questions.
Coronavirus Share & Care Webinar: Preventing and Managing Severe Autism Behaviors at Home
This live event has passed. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE RECORDING
What: Many autism families are facing tremendous hardship during the coronavirus crisis. This interactive online forum will focus on strategies for families living with challenging behaviors, such as aggression, property destruction, pica, and self-injury. Featuring Matthew Siegel, MD, Maine Behavioral Healthcare, and Gloria Satriale, Ed.D, JD, BSL, ACRE, Preparing Adolescents & Adults for Life, Pennsylvania. We welcome questions and comments during the event (via Question bar in the Control Panel) or ahead of time to info@ncsautism.org. Moderated by Jill Escher and Amy Lutz, NCSA. The event will be recorded and shared on ncsautism.org and social media.
This live event has passed. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE RECORDING
What: Many autism families are facing tremendous hardship during the coronavirus crisis. This interactive online forum will focus on strategies for families living with challenging behaviors, such as aggression, property destruction, pica, and self-injury. Featuring Matthew Siegel, MD, Maine Behavioral Healthcare, and Gloria Satriale, Ed.D, JD, BSL, ACRE, Preparing Adolescents & Adults for Life, Pennsylvania. We welcome questions and comments during the event (via Question bar in the Control Panel) or ahead of time to info@ncsautism.org. Moderated by Jill Escher and Amy Lutz, NCSA. The event will be recorded and shared on ncsautism.org and social media.
Coronavirus Info & Resources
Pathfinders for Autism
In addition to a wealth of resources on their COVID-19 resources page, Pathfinders for Autism have created a fantastic social story comic book: Debbie Fights Coronavirus!
In addition to a wealth of resources on their COVID-19 resources page, Pathfinders for Autism have created a fantastic social story comic book: Debbie Fights Coronavirus!
Guide to Managing Self Quarantine and Social Distancing
Autism Society of Minnesota has prepared this handy PDF we thought worth including. It covers the following topics:
• Managing Your Mental Health
• Suggested Activities to Stay Busy • Consumable Media List
• Creating Routine/Sample Schedule • Personal Schedule Template
• Working from Home
• Socializing Remotely
• Mindfulness Examples
• Sensory & Stimming Examples
PDF: https://ausm.org/images/docs/PandemicGuideforASDAdults2020.pdf
Autism Society of Minnesota has prepared this handy PDF we thought worth including. It covers the following topics:
• Managing Your Mental Health
• Suggested Activities to Stay Busy • Consumable Media List
• Creating Routine/Sample Schedule • Personal Schedule Template
• Working from Home
• Socializing Remotely
• Mindfulness Examples
• Sensory & Stimming Examples
PDF: https://ausm.org/images/docs/PandemicGuideforASDAdults2020.pdf
Autism Science Foundation
Offering links to:
Teaching Tools
Behavior Management
Policies and Legal Information
Mental and Physical Health
Partner Toolkits
Website: https://autismsciencefoundation.org/resources/the-autism-science-foundation-covid-19-family-resource-center/
Offering links to:
Teaching Tools
Behavior Management
Policies and Legal Information
Mental and Physical Health
Partner Toolkits
Website: https://autismsciencefoundation.org/resources/the-autism-science-foundation-covid-19-family-resource-center/
Autism Society of America
The ASA COVID-19 Toolkit offers info nicely organized into the following categories:
Mental Health and Respite
Modifying Routines
Lifestyle Supports (lost wages, food and nutrition)
Public Policy
Follow the ASA Facebook page for info on Facebook Live series on Coronavirus
Website: https://www.autism-society.org/covid-19/
The ASA COVID-19 Toolkit offers info nicely organized into the following categories:
Mental Health and Respite
Modifying Routines
Lifestyle Supports (lost wages, food and nutrition)
Public Policy
Follow the ASA Facebook page for info on Facebook Live series on Coronavirus
Website: https://www.autism-society.org/covid-19/
Autism Speaks
News and educational information for families; educators and health professionals; and adults on the spectrum. Topics include: dealing with disrupted routines, creating a new routine while working at home, what the autism community needs to know now, and clinical care during social distancing. This site includes links to information in non-English speaking teaching stories.
Website: https://www.autismspeaks.org/covid-19-information-and-resources
News and educational information for families; educators and health professionals; and adults on the spectrum. Topics include: dealing with disrupted routines, creating a new routine while working at home, what the autism community needs to know now, and clinical care during social distancing. This site includes links to information in non-English speaking teaching stories.
Website: https://www.autismspeaks.org/covid-19-information-and-resources
National Council on Severe Autism (NCSA)
Offering a series of Coronavirus Share & Care webinar focused on concerns relevant to the more impacted side of the spectrum. See previous webinars above and watch this space for future topics.
Website: ncsautism.org/blog
Offering a series of Coronavirus Share & Care webinar focused on concerns relevant to the more impacted side of the spectrum. See previous webinars above and watch this space for future topics.
Website: ncsautism.org/blog
Parents Helping Parents (PHP)
Links to all the latest public health and shelter in place orders are here, important news about services for the special needs community, as well as links to tons of targeted and non-targeted online home activities and educational resource websites. Many PHP supports groups will continue online during this time. Check the PHP calendar or your support group listing for info.
Website: https://www.php.com/covid-19-additional-resources-information/
Links to all the latest public health and shelter in place orders are here, important news about services for the special needs community, as well as links to tons of targeted and non-targeted online home activities and educational resource websites. Many PHP supports groups will continue online during this time. Check the PHP calendar or your support group listing for info.
Website: https://www.php.com/covid-19-additional-resources-information/
State Council on Developmental Disabilities
Offering:
Answers to the community's top coronavirus questions, in multiple languages
Information on COVID-19 and IDEA Part B Special Education
More information and links to resources
Website: https://scdd.ca.gov
Offering:
Answers to the community's top coronavirus questions, in multiple languages
Information on COVID-19 and IDEA Part B Special Education
More information and links to resources
Website: https://scdd.ca.gov