Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health and Safety Guide
ASERT has compiled resources for those with autism and those who care for people with autism relating to the current COVID-19 outbreak.
Family Members
Whether it’s a sibling, grandparent, cousin, aunt, uncle or parent, it can be difficult to know how to properly support your family member on the spectrum. ASERT’s broad database of autism resources includes a variety of information helpful for family members.
Check out some of our top resources highlighted below, or search through the hundreds of resources available for family members!
The Spectrum of Communication
Communication permits us to advocate for our needs, develop relationships, and participate in our community. When supporting someone with Autism, the most important thing to keep in mind at all times is that speech does not equal communication.
View ResourcePA Family Network
The PA Family Network was created to support families and the major elements of the Community of Practice goals.
View ResourcePennsylvania Family Support Alliance (PFSA)
Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance provides education, support, and training programs to make Pennsylvania safe for children.
View ResourceSearch within Family Members resources
Video: Wellness and Mindfulness Strategies
In this video, tips and strategies are provided for families/caregivers on wellness and mindfulness techniques.
Read moreVideo: When You Can’t Go Home After Hospital
This video for families and caregivers how to plan for care after a hospitalization for COVID-19, including what to do if the person isn't able to return home after being discharged from the hospital.
Read moreVolunteering
This resource developed by ASERT helps individuals figure out what they'd like to volunteer for, where to find volunteering opportunities, and who to volunteer for.
Read moreWashing the Dishes Social Story
This resource developed by ASERT helps individuals learn how to wash the dishes by hand.
Read moreWearing a Mask and Communication
As a result of COVID-19, health care providers have recommended people wear masks as a way to prevent the spread of the disease. Wearing masks can be uncomfortable, and for individuals who have sensory sensitivities, it can be even harder. These resources provide a guide for families and caregivers on how to work with loved ones on getting comfortable wearing a mask, different types of masks based on individual needs, as well as information on communicating while wearing masks for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Read moreWearing a Mask Social Story
This resource provides a visual guide for individuals with autism about wearing a mask to avoid spreading germs. The resource includes why it's important to wear a mask, as well as information about how to safely wear and remove masks. The resource is translated into Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, and Burmese. An animated version is also available.
Read moreWell-Being in Isolation: Daily Checklist
This resource, developed by ASERT, provides a checklist of activities that can be done to help maintain your mental health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read moreWhat Autism in Toddlers Looks Like
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Centers for Disease Control, National Institutes of Health, autism advocacy groups, and researchers have all drawn attention to the importance of the early detection of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to make access to early intervention possible. Learn how to identify the early signs of autism in the below video, created by Kennedy Krieger in partnership with the Maryland Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
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What to Do if You Get Pulled Over
This resource developed by ASERT helps individuals know what to do if they get pulled over by the police.
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