Below are some resources and websites with information about how to help your child through this challenging time, including strategies for talking with your children about the crisis, activities to do at home, and behavioral supports.

 

Coping strategies/activities to do at home with children

Psychology Today: How to Explain a Global Health Crisis to Children with Autism

Autism Speaks: COVID-19 Information and Resources from Autism Speaks

The Washington Post: Helping Autistic Kids Cope with the Chaos and Uncertainty of Coronavirus (no firewall for this article)

SAMHSA: Talking with children: Tips for caregivers, parents and teachers during infectious disease outbreaks

Times Union: COVID-19: Preparation tips for families affected by autism

Travel + Leisure: Stuck at home? These 12 famous museums offer virtual tours you can take on your couch

Cool Mom Tech: Eight fantastic educational resources for online learning, just in case you need them, parents

A Mothership Down: How to prepare for extended school closings (and not lose your mind)

Richland Source: Resources for families stuck at home during social distancing

Autism Society of North Carolina: Staying Structured and Engaged in this Challenging Time

Pinterest: Indoor Activities for Kids

 

Social stories, behavioral supports/videos and discussion strategies

Univ of North Carolina: Online Toolkit

Child Mind Institute: Talking to kids about the coronavirus

NPR: Just for kids: A comic exploring the new coronavirus

PBS: How to talk to your kids About coronavirus

Little Puddins: What is the coronavirus?

Mindheart: #COVIBOOK: Supporting and reassuring children around the world

ASERT: Coronavirus (COVID-19) health and safety guide

ASERT: Visual schedule resources

ASERT: How to create and use social stories

 

Parents, please remember to take care of yourselves also:

Coping strategies for caregivers

Psychology Today: Parenting during COVID-19

SAMHSA: Coping with stress during infectious disease outbreaks

CDC: Manage anxiety and stress

MetroKids: Seven science-based strategies to cope with coronavirus anxiety