This July, the Autism Society of America is highlighting new ways for families impacted by autism to navigate summer activities during COVID-19, as well as education regarding the protests that have occurred since May 26 in response to racism, police brutality, and deaths of black individuals such as George Floyd. Our goal is to provide resources to help autistic individuals and families find new ways to participate in summer fun while staying safe, in addition to helping individuals impacted by autism understand new societal changes in conjunction with recent and ongoing American protests.
Below we have compiled a digital toolkit of resources, information, referrals, and support to help autistic individuals and their families navigate summer staycation, COVID-19, racial discrimination conversations and protesting this July.
Racism and Protesting Resources
- Racism & BLM Protest Resources
- Autism Society Message of Solidarity
- Second Statement for BLM – Coming Soon
- What is Racism? – Autism Society Social Story
- What are Protests? – Autism Society Social Story
- Teaching Ideas and Resources to Help Students Make Sense of George Floyd Protests by the New York Times
- Race and Autism Resources
- “Autistic While Black: How Autism Amplifies Stereotypes” by Catina Burkett
- Morénike Giwa Onaiwu – Advocate & Writer
- Black Autistic Lives Matter, by Victoria Adewale of University of Virginia
- Autism and Race: The Autistic People of Color Fund provides direct financial support to autistic people of color
COVID-19 Resources
- Dowloadable COVID-19 themed social stories to help make sense of things and help individuals acclimate to the “New Normal”
- FB Live Episodes from our Coronavirus Information Series
COVID-19 Policy Resources
- Autism Society Advocacy Efforts for Covid-19
- Action Alert Center
- State Advocacy Toolkit
- URGE your Senators to VOTE YES for HEROES Act
- Advocate to your Governor for COVID-19 Federal Money to Autism services
- Covid-19 Incident Rates for Disability Community:
- NPR Infection & Death Rate Research
- COVID-19 in Racial & Ethnic Minority Groups
Summer Staycation / Alternative Activity Resources
- Summer Staycation Ideas:
- Alternative Activities for Summertime:
- Refer back to the June Toolkit for additional resources
- NSLA Summer Learning Resources
- Creative Summer Learning Ideas
- Arts & Learning Kids TV Show
- 50+ Sensory Play Ideas
- Homemade Slime Recipe
Affiliate Highlights
- “Black & Autistic: A Focused Discussion on Being Prepared and Allyship” an online event hosted by Autism Society of Baltimore Chesapeake.
- Autism Society Tidewater’s statement on BLM & Michael Rushin.
- Autism Society Lehigh Valley has done six birthday parades for their constituents.
- Autism Society Ventura County is offering a virtual art camp and music camp this summer.
We encourage you to contact the Autism Society affiliate in your area, as our affiliates are often the most knowledgeable about local services. To find an affiliate in your area, click here.
The Autism Society’s National Contact Center staff are here to support you and provide you with the resources you need. Our Information & Referral Specialists are available Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (Eastern Time) at 800-3-AUTISM (800-328-8476) or info@autism-society.org.
The Autism Society is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all affected by autism. $50 allows the Autism Society to provide an hour of support to our affiliate network to create localized education resources, support, and advocacy to individuals and families affected by autism. If you found this article helpful, please consider supporting our efforts through a donation, every bit helps. Donate here!
Share:
