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
Thursday, September 24: Emotional Health and Well-Being During COVID19
Time: 6:00-7:30 p.m. *Please note this is a different time than normal
Where: Online: RSVP here.
What: Come learn some new ways to cope with feelings around the pandemic during this challenging time. We will be having a discussion around ways to help promote emotional health and well-being during COVID-19.
Time: 6:00-7:30 p.m. *Please note this is a different time than normal
Where: Online: RSVP here.
What: Come learn some new ways to cope with feelings around the pandemic during this challenging time. We will be having a discussion around ways to help promote emotional health and well-being during COVID-19.
Wednesday, September 30: SOS (Saving Our Sanity) - Parent Support During the Pandemic
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Where: Online. Register here.
What: We are all in uncharted waters and facing stress on many levels. Add in the extra worries that come with having a child who learns and thinks differently and the task can be overwhelming. Yet we need to find the emotional reserves to cope so that we can be there for our children and family.
On Wednesday evenings through December 16, Laura Elizabeth DeHority – LMFT 114979, will lead an online support group for parents/primary caregivers who want to improve their outlook and life as parents of a child with special needs. Each week, Laura Beth will introduce a new topic related to positive parenting and self-care sharing her insights as a marriage and family therapist. There will be time to share and learn from the other members of the group while connecting with others dealing with similarly challenging lives. The focus will be on parents with children any age/any diagnosis.
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Where: Online. Register here.
What: We are all in uncharted waters and facing stress on many levels. Add in the extra worries that come with having a child who learns and thinks differently and the task can be overwhelming. Yet we need to find the emotional reserves to cope so that we can be there for our children and family.
On Wednesday evenings through December 16, Laura Elizabeth DeHority – LMFT 114979, will lead an online support group for parents/primary caregivers who want to improve their outlook and life as parents of a child with special needs. Each week, Laura Beth will introduce a new topic related to positive parenting and self-care sharing her insights as a marriage and family therapist. There will be time to share and learn from the other members of the group while connecting with others dealing with similarly challenging lives. The focus will be on parents with children any age/any diagnosis.
Wednesday, September 30: Shupin: Delivered! Science—Register by September 27—5:00 pm
Time: 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Where: Online: RSVP here.
What: As part of the Shupin Social (e)Club, this new fun and interactive virtual program delivers everything you need for creative, hands-on activities.
All-inclusive mystery boxes are delivered directly to participants’ homes. Unaware of what the exact activity will be, we will open our boxes together to reveal materials needed to complete arts, science, and culinary projects. Participants are guided through a step-by-step process to complete the activity while enjoying a unique experience and socializing with peers.
Open to young adults, ages 18+ with and without developmental disabilities who need little to no support to participate.Fee: $20 per event*. Limited space available.
If this is your first Shupin (e)Club event, please be sure to fill out our information form first.
Time: 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Where: Online: RSVP here.
What: As part of the Shupin Social (e)Club, this new fun and interactive virtual program delivers everything you need for creative, hands-on activities.
All-inclusive mystery boxes are delivered directly to participants’ homes. Unaware of what the exact activity will be, we will open our boxes together to reveal materials needed to complete arts, science, and culinary projects. Participants are guided through a step-by-step process to complete the activity while enjoying a unique experience and socializing with peers.
Open to young adults, ages 18+ with and without developmental disabilities who need little to no support to participate.Fee: $20 per event*. Limited space available.
If this is your first Shupin (e)Club event, please be sure to fill out our information form first.
Tuesday, October 6: Sharing the Journey
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: Online. Register here.
What: Wherever you are in your parenting journey, we offer support from the moment your child has a confirmed or suspected disability diagnosis. This is often confusing and difficult. Together, we will create a plan and explore strategies that will help you, your child, and your entire family thrive.
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: Online. Register here.
What: Wherever you are in your parenting journey, we offer support from the moment your child has a confirmed or suspected disability diagnosis. This is often confusing and difficult. Together, we will create a plan and explore strategies that will help you, your child, and your entire family thrive.
October 17-20: Stanford (Virtual) Neurodiversity Summit
Where: Online: Register here.
What: The theme of this year's Stanford Neurodiversity Summit is "Scaling Up the Neurodiversity at Work Initiative". This virtual summit is a unique conference bringing together neurodiverse/neurodivergent individuals, employers, service agencies, educators and students, parents, and professionals from all areas of the field. We are planning the conference with Universal Design in mind, to maximize accessibility and inclusion; we want neurodiverse individuals to participate. Preliminary schedule available.
Where: Online: Register here.
What: The theme of this year's Stanford Neurodiversity Summit is "Scaling Up the Neurodiversity at Work Initiative". This virtual summit is a unique conference bringing together neurodiverse/neurodivergent individuals, employers, service agencies, educators and students, parents, and professionals from all areas of the field. We are planning the conference with Universal Design in mind, to maximize accessibility and inclusion; we want neurodiverse individuals to participate. Preliminary schedule available.
October 26-28: 2020 National Convention
Where: Online: Register here.
What: The Arc's National Convention is coming up October 26 – 28, and this year we are making it possible for you to participate from anywhere!
Join us for three days of inspiring online sessions, announcements, and networking opportunities to learn how others are navigating challenges both old and new.
Where: Online: Register here.
What: The Arc's National Convention is coming up October 26 – 28, and this year we are making it possible for you to participate from anywhere!
Join us for three days of inspiring online sessions, announcements, and networking opportunities to learn how others are navigating challenges both old and new.
Weekly: Facebook Live with Autism Society of America
Time: Various
Where: Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/AutismSociety/
What: The Autism Society of America launched a Facebook Live series dedicated to providing relevant, COVID-19 information for the autism community. The weekly broadcast will feature an expert discussing specific topics like mental health, federal emergency funding, and continuing education at home.Additionally, we have partnered with myHana, an organization provided educational programming support for caretakers, to co-host a second Facebook Live series. Experts will be discussing ongoing challenges for caretakers during the COVID-19 crisis. Click here to watch past episodes.
Time: Various
Where: Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/AutismSociety/
What: The Autism Society of America launched a Facebook Live series dedicated to providing relevant, COVID-19 information for the autism community. The weekly broadcast will feature an expert discussing specific topics like mental health, federal emergency funding, and continuing education at home.Additionally, we have partnered with myHana, an organization provided educational programming support for caretakers, to co-host a second Facebook Live series. Experts will be discussing ongoing challenges for caretakers during the COVID-19 crisis. Click here to watch past episodes.
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