We are all experiencing significant changes in our daily lives and, are receiving information that is continuously changing. For our students and families who thrive on predictability and routine, this can be distressing. midst all of the changes, we need to make sure to prioritize self-care. It is so important that our students and families have the tools necessary to support their overall wellbeing so that they are mentally and emotionally prepared to approach learning. The links below are designed to provide quick access to information and materials that may assist students and families adjust to new routines and to provide information, printable tools, and coping strategies through familiar platforms. To access the information, simply click on the topics listed under each heading.
Autism Team: Master List for Website By Topic: Social Stories: Explaining Coronavirus Pandemics and the Coronavirus: Carol Gray Social Story: https://carolgraysocialstories.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Pandemics-and-the-Coronavirus.pdf Coronavirus Social Story for younger children: https://littlepuddins.ie/coronavirus-social-story/ Brainpop video: Coronavirus and social distancing: https://www.brainpop.com/health/diseasesinjuriesandconditions/coronavirus/ Autism and Coronavirus, Helping Students Understand: https://usevisualstrategies.com/autism-coronavirus-helping-students-understand/ From NPR: Just for Kids: What you want to know about Coronavirus Comic https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/28/809580453/just-for-kids-a-comic-exploring-the-new-coronavirus?fbclid=IwAR0Gh_-Y_z9S_t73LnzQ-sL1JFqgbvZxhQI35Gjetuz8LZEUcYrCCtNC970 Coronavirus. Top Tips(geared toward teens and adults with ASD): https://www.orcommissionasd.org/cms/lib/OR50000467/Centricity/Domain/18/Tips_for_adults_COVID19.pdf Staying Healthy- Visual Supports and social stories Handwashing Resources from STAR Autism Support. Includes video model and printable visuals: https://starautismsupport.com/washing-hands-supports Handwashing, a family activity from CDC website. PDF available in English and Spanish: https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/handwashing-family.html Social story from Autism Speaks. Getting Sick, Staying Healthy: https://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/flu_teaching_story_final%20%281%29.pdf Social Stories: School at Home Video Social Stories by Jessica Aguilar. Explaining rules for learning online, doing schoolwork at home, and what to do if parents are working from home too. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQyZnTrKydlLtIUK3zZEq1Q?app=desktop Providing Structure and Predictability Visual Schedules: A practical guide for families: Explains what a visual schedule is, tips for setting up a visual schedule, and web resources for printable icons. https://ed-psych.utah.edu/school-psych/_documents/grants/autism-training-grant/Visual-Schedules-Practical-Guide-for-Families.pdf Video How-To for parents. Creating a visual schedule: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyTdW-2_e5U&feature=youtu.be 7 tips for talking to your child about Coronavirus and resources to keep kids engaged at home: https://lakikid.com/pages/parents-survival-guide-to-coronavirus-covid-19 Practical Tips from a parent in the UK on structuring a schedule when home all day: https://fiveminutemum.com/2020/03/13/all-day-at-home-with-kids-how-do-i-structure-the-day/ Coping with Covid-19. Great resource from UK, covering variety of topics for families supporting children ASD: http://www.cardiffandvaleuhb.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/documents/1143/Supporting%20Children%20with%20LD%20&%20ASD%20with%20COVID%20Isolation.pdf Visual Supports For Home from STAR Autism Support Simple First-Then Printable Schedule Template: https://www.starautismsupport.com/system/files/resources/STAR%20Home%20Supports_First-Then_0.pdf Spanish Version: https://starautismsupport.com/system/files/resources/First-Then%20%28SPANISH%29.pdf First-Then-Next Printable Schedule Template: https://www.starautismsupport.com/system/files/resources/STAR%20Home%20Supports_First-Then-Next_0.pdf Spanish Version: https://starautismsupport.com/system/files/resources/First-Then-Next%20%28SPANISH%29.pdf Written Daily Schedule Template: https://www.starautismsupport.com/system/files/resources/RE_HS_Written%20Schedule_0.pdf Spanish Version: https://starautismsupport.com/system/files/resources/Written%20Schedule%20%28SPANISH%29.pdf Printable daily schedule template with icons: https://www.starautismsupport.com/system/files/resources/STAR%20Home%20Supports_Daily%20Schedule_0.pdf Additional visual schedule resources: Khan Academy Sample Schedules Pre-K- 12th Grade: https://docs.google.com/document/u/1/d/e/2PACX-1vSZhOdEPAWjUQpqDkVAlJrFwxxZ9Sa6zGOq0CNRms6Z7DZNq-tQWS3OhuVCUbh_-P-WmksHAzbsrk9d/pub Teaching Emotions and Self-Regulation The Autism Helper: Supporting Sensory Needs at Home: https://theautismhelper.com/supporting-sensory-needs-at-home/ 20 Sensory activities your kids will love: https://www.boredteachers.com/classroom-ideas/20-best-sensory-activities-your-kids-will-love Downloadable resources from Zones of Regulation for Distance Learning: http://www.zonesofregulation.com/distance-learning-resources.html Zones of Regulation activities from Beaverton School District: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/library-services/remote-learning/special-education https://theautismhelper.com/supporting-sensory-needs-at-home/ The Incredible 5-point scale: Tips for teaching flexible thinking during unpredictable times by Kari Dunn Buron: https://www.5pointscale.com/teaching-at-home.html Emotions Chart to help children identify how they are feeling: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Printable-How-Do-You-Feel-Emotions-Chart-3319939?st=9de6b4a1c4fb451636bfb095f45b5e65 Free Character Emotions Chart with additional emotion descriptors: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Emotions-Charts-FREE-2370313?st=9de6b4a1c4fb451636bfb095f45b5e65 8 fun breathing exercises for kids: https://childhood101.com/fun-breathing-exercises-for-kids/ Free Coping Skills Choice Board to help children make a choice when upset: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Coping-Skills-Choice-Board-3106669?st=678acd6973be5d201273f23405740a45 Movement Break Videos and resources Go Noodle: https://www.gonoodle.com/for-families/ You Tube Workouts for home: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaDYCB5WgxlSUMEhZbmDYkQ?fbclid=IwAR1vjmctbMjjiZA10iQfynvhIfAYl2x0YDQfcTbYIobZv4GpUHaMM7opbVE Anxiety and Mental Health LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: SOUTHERN OREGON THERAPISTS 2020 UPDATED http://www.mhren.org/pages/referral-booklet Recommended Reads for Parents about Mental Illness (LISTS OF BOOKS AND FREE PDF’S) https://www.erikaslighthouse.org/recommended-reads/ Supporting Kids during the Coronavirus: https://childmind.org/article/supporting-kids-during-the-covid-19-crisis/ Spanish Version: https://childmind.org/article/como-apoyar-a-los-ninos-en-la-crisis-del-covid-19/ Autism Speaks Article: What should the autism community know about coronavirus outbreak- provides guidance for caregivers and prevention tips: https://www.autismspeaks.org/science-news/what-should-autism-community-know-about-coronavirus-outbreak Coping with the Stress of an Infectious Disease Outbreak like COVID-19 (see Pg.3): https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/fact-sheet/outbreak_factsheet_1.pdf Parent Strategies for helping children with autism cope with transitions and changing routines from Autism Resources and Community (ARC): http://blog.stageslearning.com/blog/parent-strategies-for-helping-children-with-autism-cope-with-transitions-and-changing-routines Recognizing indicators of anxiety in individuals with autism and strategies for anxiety reduction:https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/health-daily-care/mental-health/anxiety-asd Resources for helping kids use coping skills to calm anxiety: https://copingskillsforkids.com/calming-anxiety Breathing icons/visuals to promote relaxation https://www.ocali.org/project/resource_gallery_of_interventions/page/breathing-cards Suicide Awareness SUICIDE RISK FACTORS AND WARNING SIGNS Identify Risk, Prevent Suicide - Documents that are tools for Caregivers and Community Members PARENT HANDBOOK ON CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION https://www.erikaslighthouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/EL_ParentHandbook2019.pdf Short Video, easy for kids and families on the topic of EMPATHY. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Evwgu369Jw Motivation and Positive Behavior Supports 15 Behavior Strategies for children with autism: https://ibcces.org/blog/2016/07/15/behavior-strategies/ 7 Support Strategies for Individuals with ASD from AFIRM: https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/supporting-individuals-autism-through-uncertain-times?fbclid=IwAR2lM3AziXzlSwkcVmkW-j66804WwH3U7XFBKgvnmuyypOtvQUXcwqfUWiY How to Video for First/Then Schedules: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=264&v=V_-uf1XcIt4&feature=emb_logo How to Video for Token Boards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7XrS8pIo74&feature=youtu.be Free Token Board Download: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ocean-Animal-Token-Board-Autism-ABA-Special-Ed-4030031 Downloadable Token Boards from OCALI Resource page: https://www.ocali.org/project/resource_gallery_of_interventions/page/token_economies Social skills Supports Social Express: Free until June 1st : https://socialexpress.com/ Free Materials for Social skills Downloads: https://autismteachingstrategies.com/free-social-skills-downloads-2/ Other Parent Guides and Resources From the Autism Helper: Tips for Parents turned Homeschool Special Education Teachers: https://theautismhelper.com/tips-for-parents-turned-homeschool-special-education-teachers/ From the Autism Helper: 5 tips to focus on for parents: https://theautismhelper.com/focus-on-five-tips-for-parents-for-home-learning/ Free Webinars for Parents from Autism Research Institute: https://www.autism.org/covid-19-resources/ Coronavirus Resource Center from ChildMind.org: https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents/ Resources from Mt. Sinai Seaver Autism Center: https://icahn.mssm.edu/research/seaver/resources/covid-19-autism-resources Free Work Packets The Autism Helper Emergency Homeschool Kit (pay what you wish): https://theautismhelper.com/emergency-home-school-kit/ Work Packets: Pre-K-Grade 8 https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11Gn85SkOv1yGaZrzNOWvFJ_cIshdUqgY Free School Closure Resources: https://www.twinkl.com/resources/usa-resources/school-closure-resources-usa
Autism Team:
Master List for Website By Topic:
Social Stories: Explaining Coronavirus
Pandemics and the Coronavirus: Carol Gray Social Story:
https://carolgraysocialstories.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Pandemics-and-the-Coronavirus.pdf
Coronavirus Social Story for younger children: https://littlepuddins.ie/coronavirus-social-story/
Brainpop video: Coronavirus and social distancing: https://www.brainpop.com/health/diseasesinjuriesandconditions/coronavirus/
Autism and Coronavirus, Helping Students Understand:
https://usevisualstrategies.com/autism-coronavirus-helping-students-understand/
From NPR: Just for Kids: What you want to know about Coronavirus Comic
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/28/809580453/just-for-kids-a-comic-exploring-the-new-coronavirus?fbclid=IwAR0Gh_-Y_z9S_t73LnzQ-sL1JFqgbvZxhQI35Gjetuz8LZEUcYrCCtNC970
Coronavirus. Top Tips(geared toward teens and adults with ASD): https://www.orcommissionasd.org/cms/lib/OR50000467/Centricity/Domain/18/Tips_for_adults_COVID19.pdf
Staying Healthy- Visual Supports and social stories
Handwashing Resources from STAR Autism Support. Includes video model and printable visuals:
https://starautismsupport.com/washing-hands-supports
Handwashing, a family activity from CDC website. PDF available in English and Spanish: https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/handwashing-family.html
Social story from Autism Speaks. Getting Sick, Staying Healthy: https://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/flu_teaching_story_final%20%281%29.pdf
Social Stories: School at Home
Video Social Stories by Jessica Aguilar. Explaining rules for learning online, doing schoolwork at home, and what to do if parents are working from home too.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQyZnTrKydlLtIUK3zZEq1Q?app=desktop
Providing Structure and Predictability
Visual Schedules: A practical guide for families: Explains what a visual schedule is, tips for setting up a visual schedule, and web resources for printable icons.
https://ed-psych.utah.edu/school-psych/_documents/grants/autism-training-grant/Visual-Schedules-Practical-Guide-for-Families.pdf
Video How-To for parents. Creating a visual schedule:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyTdW-2_e5U&feature=youtu.be
7 tips for talking to your child about Coronavirus and resources to keep kids engaged at home:
https://lakikid.com/pages/parents-survival-guide-to-coronavirus-covid-19
Practical Tips from a parent in the UK on structuring a schedule when home all day:
https://fiveminutemum.com/2020/03/13/all-day-at-home-with-kids-how-do-i-structure-the-day/
Coping with Covid-19. Great resource from UK, covering variety of topics for families supporting children ASD:
http://www.cardiffandvaleuhb.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/documents/1143/Supporting%20Children%20with%20LD%20&%20ASD%20with%20COVID%20Isolation.pdf
Visual Supports For Home from STAR Autism Support
Simple First-Then Printable Schedule Template: https://www.starautismsupport.com/system/files/resources/STAR%20Home%20Supports_First-Then_0.pdf
Spanish Version: https://starautismsupport.com/system/files/resources/First-Then%20%28SPANISH%29.pdf
First-Then-Next Printable Schedule Template: https://www.starautismsupport.com/system/files/resources/STAR%20Home%20Supports_First-Then-Next_0.pdf
Spanish Version: https://starautismsupport.com/system/files/resources/First-Then-Next%20%28SPANISH%29.pdf
Written Daily Schedule Template: https://www.starautismsupport.com/system/files/resources/RE_HS_Written%20Schedule_0.pdf
Spanish Version: https://starautismsupport.com/system/files/resources/Written%20Schedule%20%28SPANISH%29.pdf
Printable daily schedule template with icons: https://www.starautismsupport.com/system/files/resources/STAR%20Home%20Supports_Daily%20Schedule_0.pdf
Additional visual schedule resources:
Khan Academy Sample Schedules Pre-K- 12th Grade: https://docs.google.com/document/u/1/d/e/2PACX-1vSZhOdEPAWjUQpqDkVAlJrFwxxZ9Sa6zGOq0CNRms6Z7DZNq-tQWS3OhuVCUbh_-P-WmksHAzbsrk9d/pub
Teaching Emotions and Self-Regulation
The Autism Helper: Supporting Sensory Needs at Home: https://theautismhelper.com/supporting-sensory-needs-at-home/
20 Sensory activities your kids will love:
https://www.boredteachers.com/classroom-ideas/20-best-sensory-activities-your-kids-will-love
Downloadable resources from Zones of Regulation for Distance Learning: http://www.zonesofregulation.com/distance-learning-resources.html
Zones of Regulation activities from Beaverton School District:
https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/library-services/remote-learning/special-education
https://theautismhelper.com/supporting-sensory-needs-at-home/
The Incredible 5-point scale: Tips for teaching flexible thinking during unpredictable times by Kari Dunn Buron: https://www.5pointscale.com/teaching-at-home.html
Emotions Chart to help children identify how they are feeling: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Printable-How-Do-You-Feel-Emotions-Chart-3319939?st=9de6b4a1c4fb451636bfb095f45b5e65
Free Character Emotions Chart with additional emotion descriptors: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Emotions-Charts-FREE-2370313?st=9de6b4a1c4fb451636bfb095f45b5e65
8 fun breathing exercises for kids: https://childhood101.com/fun-breathing-exercises-for-kids/
Free Coping Skills Choice Board to help children make a choice when upset: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Coping-Skills-Choice-Board-3106669?st=678acd6973be5d201273f23405740a45
Movement Break Videos and resources
Go Noodle: https://www.gonoodle.com/for-families/
You Tube Workouts for home:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaDYCB5WgxlSUMEhZbmDYkQ?fbclid=IwAR1vjmctbMjjiZA10iQfynvhIfAYl2x0YDQfcTbYIobZv4GpUHaMM7opbVE
Anxiety and Mental Health
LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: SOUTHERN OREGON THERAPISTS 2020 UPDATED http://www.mhren.org/pages/referral-booklet
Recommended Reads for Parents about Mental Illness (LISTS OF BOOKS AND FREE PDF’S)
https://www.erikaslighthouse.org/recommended-reads/
Supporting Kids during the Coronavirus:
https://childmind.org/article/supporting-kids-during-the-covid-19-crisis/
Spanish Version: https://childmind.org/article/como-apoyar-a-los-ninos-en-la-crisis-del-covid-19/
Autism Speaks Article: What should the autism community know about coronavirus outbreak- provides guidance for caregivers and prevention tips: https://www.autismspeaks.org/science-news/what-should-autism-community-know-about-coronavirus-outbreak
Coping with the Stress of an Infectious Disease Outbreak like COVID-19 (see Pg.3): https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/fact-sheet/outbreak_factsheet_1.pdf
Parent Strategies for helping children with autism cope with transitions and changing routines from Autism Resources and Community (ARC): http://blog.stageslearning.com/blog/parent-strategies-for-helping-children-with-autism-cope-with-transitions-and-changing-routines
Recognizing indicators of anxiety in individuals with autism and strategies for anxiety reduction:https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/health-daily-care/mental-health/anxiety-asd
Resources for helping kids use coping skills to calm anxiety:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/calming-anxiety
Breathing icons/visuals to promote relaxation https://www.ocali.org/project/resource_gallery_of_interventions/page/breathing-cards
Suicide Awareness
SUICIDE RISK FACTORS AND WARNING SIGNS
Identify Risk, Prevent Suicide - Documents that are tools for Caregivers and Community Members
PARENT HANDBOOK ON CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION
https://www.erikaslighthouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/EL_ParentHandbook2019.pdf
Short Video, easy for kids and families on the topic of EMPATHY. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Evwgu369Jw
Motivation and Positive Behavior Supports
15 Behavior Strategies for children with autism:
https://ibcces.org/blog/2016/07/15/behavior-strategies/
7 Support Strategies for Individuals with ASD from AFIRM:
https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/supporting-individuals-autism-through-uncertain-times?fbclid=IwAR2lM3AziXzlSwkcVmkW-j66804WwH3U7XFBKgvnmuyypOtvQUXcwqfUWiY
How to Video for First/Then Schedules:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=264&v=V_-uf1XcIt4&feature=emb_logo
How to Video for Token Boards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7XrS8pIo74&feature=youtu.be
Free Token Board Download: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ocean-Animal-Token-Board-Autism-ABA-Special-Ed-4030031
Downloadable Token Boards from OCALI Resource page: https://www.ocali.org/project/resource_gallery_of_interventions/page/token_economies
Social skills Supports
Social Express: Free until June 1st : https://socialexpress.com/
Free Materials for Social skills Downloads:
https://autismteachingstrategies.com/free-social-skills-downloads-2/
Other Parent Guides and Resources
From the Autism Helper: Tips for Parents turned Homeschool Special Education Teachers:
https://theautismhelper.com/tips-for-parents-turned-homeschool-special-education-teachers/
From the Autism Helper: 5 tips to focus on for parents:
https://theautismhelper.com/focus-on-five-tips-for-parents-for-home-learning/
Free Webinars for Parents from Autism Research Institute:
https://www.autism.org/covid-19-resources/
Coronavirus Resource Center from ChildMind.org:
https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents/
Resources from Mt. Sinai Seaver Autism Center:
https://icahn.mssm.edu/research/seaver/resources/covid-19-autism-resources
Free Work Packets
The Autism Helper Emergency Homeschool Kit (pay what you wish): https://theautismhelper.com/emergency-home-school-kit/
Work Packets: Pre-K-Grade 8
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11Gn85SkOv1yGaZrzNOWvFJ_cIshdUqgY
Free School Closure Resources:
https://www.twinkl.com/resources/usa-resources/school-closure-resources-usa
We are all experiencing significant changes in our daily lives and, are receiving information that is continuously changing. For our students and families who thrive on predictability and routine, this can be distressing.
Amidst all of the changes, we need to make sure to prioritize self-care. It is so important that our students and families have the tools necessary to support their overall wellbeing so that they are mentally and emotionally prepared to approach learning.
The links below are designed to provide quick access to information and materials that may assist students and families adjust to new routines and to provide information, printable tools, and coping strategies through familiar platforms.
To access the information, simply click on the topics listed under each heading.