Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
A Public Health Agency of Canada Website with general information on COVID-19 relating to current events, personal health, financial/economic support, & safety considerations.
How coronavirus is affecting kids on the spectrum and their parents (in quarantine)
A news-story of families with a child with ASD & some tips on how to manage changes.
COVID-19 Information & Resource
This webpage by Autism Speaks Canada explores general information on COVID-19, hygiene practices, caring for someone who has been infected, handling school closures, and other national resources.
List of Resources to Help Us Through COVID19
A resource webpage exploring activities, caregiver tips, financial aid, mental health, First Nations & Inuit resources, and adult resources.
6 Ways to Support Children with Autism During the Pandemic
A health blog post by the University of Michigan, exploring 6 practice ways to support children with autism.
At-Home Tools for Parents of Autistic Children
A National Geographic article on practice steps parents can take to support their children with ASD.
Teaching handwashing to Children with a Developmental Disability
This webpage provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to prompt/establish proper hand hygiene practices.
Autism, Anxiety, & COVID19
A webinar/video presentation exploring special considerations for those with ASD in the midst of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Navigation Guide
A webpage with plenty of links to resources & guides. Topics explored include: learning about & explaining COVID-19, safe practices, dealing with anxiety and uncertainty, and taking care of one’s mental health.
My Son Has Autism. Here’s The Routine We Have To Adjust To The New Normal
This HuffingtonPost article shares the personal story of one parent and provies 6 pieces of advice for others in similar situations.
Dealing with COVID19 – Resource for special educators, therapists, & families
This site is a compilation of videos and graphics referenced from other sources, covering a wide range of topics related to COVID19.
Supporting Individuals with Autism Through Uncertain Times
This PDF is a 60-page comprehensive document that provides info on understanding COVID19, expression, coping & calming skills, routine building/management, fostering connections, and changing behaviours.
What to Do When Your Child on the Autism Spectrum’s Routine Is Disrupted by the Coronavirus
This article provides 3 practice tips for parents on managing changes and uncertainty.
Navigating COVID-19 When Your Child / Youth has a Disability
A general resources page non-specific to any one disability. ASD has its own section that discusses resources, transitions, education, strategies, and more.
Supporting Children and Youth with Autism and Intellectual Disability and their Families during COVID-19
A webpage by AIDE Canada that provides an infographic alongside an in-depth look at how to manage during the pandemic
Supporting Children With Autism During the Coronavirus Outbreak
This article from the Child Mind Institute discusses emergency planning, routines/schedules, environmental arranging, & maintaining progress.
Coping with Covid-19 A “For Now” Normal
Coping with COVID-19: A ‘For-Now’ Normal”: This article discusses ways to explain COVID19 to verbal & non-verbal children, including what will change/stay the same, how to embrace change, and self-care.
5 Coronavirus Coping Tips for Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum
This article provides parents with 5 ways to support their child with autism.
“COVIBOOK”
This art/colouring book features illustrations that explain what COVID19 is to children. Versions in over 25 languages are available as well.
Supporting your child with a neurodevelopmental disorder through the COVID-19 crisis
This article provides parents strategies and communication skills to help children cope. Hyperlinks to cartoons, stories, & videos are provided to help parents explain.
Social Stories for Kids About COVID-19
This page describes how to use age-appropriate “social stories” educate children on COVID-19. 4 links to different social stories are provided.
Coronavirus Social Story
A video intended to help families support individuals with ASD, to understand COVID-19, practice better hygiene, & address anxieties.
Coronavirus – Staying Safe
An easy to read infographic for children, that discusses the similarity of COVID-19 to the flu alongside handwashing practices.
What is the Coronavirus?
A comic book for children that provides details on the symptoms, progression, hygiene practices, social changes (i.e., school closure), & emotions related to COVID-19.
How to Explain a Global Health Crisis to Children with Autism
A webpage for parents/caregivers describing important considerations for effective communication with children who have ASD.
Stay at Home Guide: 100s of Activities & Resource for Families on Pause
A webpage with activities ranging from physically active games to e-learning websites for children at home.
Many Benefits of Sensory Gardens
An article for parents that describes how to plant your own sensory garden and how each element can be designed to stimulate each of the senses for their children.
56 Ways for Music to Help When Social Distancing
This webpage provides 5 infographics on how to incorporate music into activities or to promote mental health. The last section specifically provides advice for those with intellectual & neuro-developmental differences.
Art Activities & Games
A resource page with links to other pages/videos of art activities & games.
What to do while in Isolation, COVID-19 Resource
A resource page with international & local links for online education, entertainment, & activities. Resource from Toronto-based organizations are also provided.
Advice for Caregivers of Children with Disabilities in the Era of COVID-19
This is an article by the American Psychological Association for parents, which provides readers with strategies to minimize stress, communicate effectively, and reassure one’s child.
COVID-19 Response: Considerations for Chidlren & Adults with Disabilities
This article discusses how adults & children with disabilities may be disproportionately at risk. Suggestions for how to minimize risk at a person, organizational, and societal level are provided.
82 Summer Activities for Families with Special Needs
A list of 82 activities divided into a different category for each day of the week.
Gardening – People with Disabilities
This article explores the skills developed through gardening and how to best facilitate this activity for those with disabilities.
How Nature Therapy can Benefit Children with Disabilities
The article explores how nature therapy can reduce stress levels, increase self-awareness, & help develop sensory skills for children with disabilities.
A Stay-At-Home Guide for Kids with FASD
An interactive, printable guidebook for children with FASD to organize and plan activities that contribute to their well-being
How to Care for a Person with COVID-19 at Home: Advice for Caregivers
A Public Health Agency of Canada website with practice advice on reducing risks of transmission for caregivers.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to Talk to Your Child
This webpage describes ways to navigate the conversation on COVID-19 and special considerations for parents.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Helping Kids with Autism Cope
This article describes how parents can help their child with ASD understand COVID-19 and adjust to changes.
Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus
The article provides guidance for parents on how to navigate the initial conversations with their child about COVID-19 and how to maintain clear communication afterwards.
Talking with Chidlren About Coronavirus Disease 2019
This article for parents & professionals explores general principles for talking with children and important facts about COVID-19 to include in the discussion.
COVID-19 Germs Experiment for Kids
This youtube video uses items found in a kitchen to demonstrate the importance of hand-washing. Steps are provided for parents & children to carry out this experiment together.
Interim Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention & Control in Schools
This UNICEF report provides guidelines and recommendations for parents and education staff/administration which focus on reducing rates of transmission in school settings.
How to Talk to Kids About the Novel Coronavirus Without Scaring Them
This news article explores how parents can navigate conversations on COVID-19, model positive behaviour, and keep track of their child’s mental well-being.
How to Talk to Children About the Coronavirus
This article discusses how much information on COVID-19 a parent should disclose, common questions children may have, and how to reassure children while modelling calmness.
How to Talk to your Kids About the COVID-19 Outbreak
This article explores when to broach the subject, how to facilitate the initial conversation, and what key topics to bring up.
How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus
This article offers 3 steps to navigate a conversation about COVID-19 with children and 4 ways to encourage good hygiene practice.
Stay at Home Guide: 100s of Activities & Resource for Families on Pause
A webpage with activities ranging from physically active games to e-learning websites for children at home.
Activities & Online Resource for Homebound Kids: A Coronavirus Guide
A webpage providing links to live streams, education videos, virtual museums, and other activities for children.
101+ Ideas to Keep Your Kids Busy During Coronavirus Closures
A webpage providing a list of activities & links for children to keep busy.
Bored at Home? Here’s a Massive List of Museums, Zoos, and Theme Parks Offering Virtual Tours
A webpage providing links to virtual tours, museums, & attractions.
CIBC Theatre for All: At Home Activities!
This document provides various theatre related crafts, activities, multimedia, & colouring pages.
Strategies to Support Teens & Young Adults With Autism Spectrtum Disorder During COVID-19
This webpage provides information on how COVID-19 affects those with ASD differently, as well as 7 concrete. strategies to providing support.
Our Great Big List of COVID-19 for Autistic People
This page provides resources and links on communication, coping skills, online meetups, how to self-advocate, financial aid, and tips for parents/caregivers.
COVID-19 Resource for Canadian Youth with Disabilities, Their Families, & Support Teams
A webpage with links to general COVID-19 information, leisure activities, online community to join, and other educational materials.
Tune in Tuesdays – A Mindfulness Group for Autistic Adults & Adults with Developmental Disabilities
This webpage provides info on weekly online mediation sessions as well the organizer’s contact.
COVID-19 Information By & For People With Disabilities
An easy to read PDF for individuals to iunderstand general information about COVID-19, proper hygiene practices, and how to navigate related changes.
School of Strength
Workout made accessible: clear instructions, warm ups, flexibility exercises, fitness videos, nutritional advice and more.
Coronavirus Plain Language Glossary Words To Know
Plain language glossary synthesizing main expressions used by the media to communicate about COVID-19. Also includes advice about daily life.
How do you talk about COVID-19 to people with intellectual disabilities?
How to talk about COVID-19 without creating unnecessary fear. What to say and not to say to provide clear information about the current situation.
Staying at home during Coronavirus
Plain language information about COVID-19, good practice to prevent the propagation of the virus as well as activities ideas.
Activities for Adults with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
Accessible ideas for adults with disabilities, including nature walks, art and crafts, music with an emphasis on their specific benefits.
30 ideas to entertain yourself during social distancing
30 ideas and even more links to entertain yourself during social distancing: streaming services, activities, games, online learning, virtual tours.
UNC team creates online toolkit for those supporting individuals with autism during COVID-19 epidemic
Helpful practical strategies in an autism-focused COVID-19 Toolkit, Introduces strategies such as social narratives, task analysis and strategies for calming.
PAFN Facebook Page
Facebook Homepage of the Pacific Autism Family Network. General information and latest updates.
Coronavirus Updates & Resources
Information about closures and remote services currently available for individuals and families, phone lines for children and adults.
COVID-19 Outbreak and Autism Related Resources
COVID-10 Outbreak Resource : Employment and funding, family support & respite, student resources, tech resources, housing resources, adult resources.
Post-Secondary Students Resources
Tips for supporting your post-secondary child in their studies, guide on completing School Work & Studying at Home, navigating the BrightSpace software, PASS Parents Handbook, how to use Moodle (MSVU).
Employment Infographic Resource: Are you being laid off from work?
Employment infographic about what happens when one is laid off work: what it means right now, what to expect and where to look for help.
Financial Aid Support for Students During COVID-19
Legal information about financial help available for students by university.
Tenants’ Resources: Rent & Eviction during COVID-19
Legal information about housing rights and support for people in need during the COVID-19 crisis.
Adult Resources
Supporting Adults with Autism through Uncertain Times, Mental health resources, daily living resources, social connectedness resource, and COVID-19 resources. Autism Focused Intervention Resource and Modules (AFRIM) – resource book for adults with ASD.
Respite Services COVID-19 Update for Families & Respite Workers
General good practice and health advice during the COVID-19 crisis, targeted at families and caregivers.
Tools & Resources for Families with Children on the Autism Spectrum
Washing hands tips and tricks for children and lots of resources to keep the children busy during the lockdown: virtual field trips, educational, fun and physical activities.
COVID-19 – Autism Nova Scotia Programs and Services Update
General information about Autism Nova Scotia closures and available resources during the COVID-19 crisis.
Supporting Individuals on The Autism Spectrum during COVID-19
Advice about mental health support during the COVID-19 crisis. Targets how to deal with change and job uncertainty.
List of Resources to Help Us Through COVID-19
This page aggregates links towards health resources, COVID-19 funding, mental health, caregiver tips, First Nation, Metis and Inuit resources, learning at home, activities, and tips for adults.
Education Scholarships
Information about the Ontario Education Scholarships, currently on hold.
OAP Information Sessions
Information about the Ontario Autism Program: general orientation and related services currently available online.
Supporting Our Community
Presentation of a survey about how the Ontario Autism Program can best serve its community during the COVID-19 crisis and links toward online services currently available.
Online Resources for Individuals And Families Living With ASD During the Covid-19 Pandemic
This page regroups helpful links for all ages: activities, videos, mental health support. It also provides contact info of family support workers (phone and email).
Staying Sane at home with your Kiddos: For families with older children and teens
Info, ideas, activities, online learning opportunities and testimonies about staying at home with older children and adolescents on the spectrum.
COVID-19 Information and Mental Health Resources
Links towards COVID-19 related information and mental health support services in Alberta.
How COVID-19 May Impact Your Mental Health and How To Cope
Helpful info and tips about mental heath and coping with uncertainty during a crisis. The page also provides links towards testimonies and external resources.
COVID-19 & Autism: Keep Calm and Self-Regulate On
Theresa Hedley whose adult son Erik has ASD talks about how they have been working on self-regulation during the COVID-19 crisis.
COVID-19 Information and Resources
Info and links to self-care kits, health info, financial help, caregiver tips, learning at home, staying active ideas, mental health resources, safety at home, community supports.
Miriam Foundation Facebook
During these unprecedented events, the Miriam Foundation is stepping up to provide assistance for the families of the Miriam Assessment Intervention community. Sessions would happen through videoconferencing at a reduced rate (1 hour for $ 50).
Autism Yukon Interactive Discussion
Starting on May 19th, Autism Yukon, in partnership with the Sinneave Family Foundation, is launching an online interactive discussion for parents, youth, and young adults exploring the unique challenges of the transition to adulthood. Spots are limited.
Autism Yukon Facebook
The Facebook post is presenting Autism Yukon crisis support via phone or email. Their coordinates are visible on the short video also reminding that they are still providing services.
Miriam Assessment Intervention Programs Videoconferencing Consultation Service
Real-time videoconferencing between the Miriam clinicians and the caregivers participating in this project will approximate the same high-quality service as those offered in a face-to-face setting.
Learning at Home with Inclusion Alberta
A guide to learning from home by Inclusion Alberta.
Talking to your child about tragedy: Six tips for the autism community
Six tips for talking to your child about tragedy by Autism Speaks.
Household Checklist by Ohio’s Department of Health
Household checklist to prepare for an outbreak of infectious disease by Ohio’s Department of Health.
Resources for Indigenous Communities
COVID-19 resources for Indigenous Communities compiled by the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society.
A social-story on how to talk to Indigenous children about COVID-19
A social story directed towards Indigenous families called “My COVID-19 Story: A social-story on how to talk to children about COVID-19” by the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay.
Getting Tested for COVID-19
An social story by Aptus Treatment Centre for Complex Disabilities on getting tested for COVID-19.
A Visual Hand Washing Schedule
A visual hand washing schedule by HANDS in Autism: Interdisciplinary Training & Resource Center.
COVID-19 Coronavirus: Answering your Questions 10 videos
A YouTube playlist by Health Care Access Research and Developmental Disabilities (HCARDD) on COVID-19 and answering common questions.
An Information Guide on Viruses
An information guide on viruses and staying healthy by Council for Intellectual Disability.
CID: Videos: Look After your Mental Health
Videos about staying well and safe during COVID-19.
How to Stay Socially Connected During the COVID-19 Pandemic
How to stay socially connected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Monthly Blog Post About COVID-19 by Dr. Yona Lunksy
A monthly blog post about COVID-19 by Dr. Yona Lunksy from Health Care Access Research and Developmental Disabilities (HCARDD).
Create an Indoor Sensory Ponder Patch
How to create an indoor sensory ponder patch, which may help reduce anxiety and stress.
Details about proposed financial support
Details about proposed financial support for persons with disabilities during COVID-19.
Information from the Government of Canada on the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
Information from the Government of Canada on the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
A list of disability considerations during COVID-19 by the World Health Organization
A list of disability considerations during COVID-19 by the World Health Organization.
Information about COVID-19 and people with disabilities in Canada by the Government of Canada
Information about COVID-19 and people with disabilities in Canada by the Government of Canada.
A plan for planning, being safe and staying inside by Opening Doors UK
A plan for planning, being safe and staying inside by Opening Doors UK.
A guide by Canadian Association for Community Living on the impact of COVID-19 on jobs
A guide by Canadian Association for Community Living on the impact of COVID-19 on jobs.
An overview of the rights of, and challenges faced by, persons with disabilities in Canada during COVID-19 by The Library of Parliament
An overview of the rights of, and challenges faced by, persons with disabilities in Canada during COVID-19 by The Library of Parliament.
A policy statement by the Ontario Human Rights Commission on a human rights based approach to manage the COVID-19 pandemic
A policy statement by the Ontario Human Rights Commission on a human rights based approach to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.
ARCH Disability Law Centre’s Advocacy Toolkit
ARCH Disability Law Centre’s Advocacy Toolkit “Advocating for Your Support Person, Attendant or Communication Assistant to be with You in Hospital During the COVID-19 Pandemic” (Plain language).
A communication rights toolkit by Communication Disabilities Access Canada (CDAC)
A communication rights toolkit by Communication Disabilities Access Canada (CDAC) explaining communication rights, tips on advocating for those rights, and provides an accommodation request form to bring to the hospital.
A tip sheet by Ontario Caregiver for caregiver mental health
A tip sheet by Ontario Caregiver for caregiver mental health.
A stay-at-home guide for kids with FASD
A stay-at-home guide for kids with FASD.
The World Federation of the Deaf has information about COVID-19
The World Federation of the Deaf has information about COVID-19 in International Sign Language.
An emergency preparedness guide for people with disabilities and special needs by Public Safety Canada
An emergency preparedness guide for people with disabilities and special needs by Public Safety Canada.
An emergency preparedness guide for people with disabilities and special needs by the Government of Ontario
An emergency preparedness guide for people with disabilities and special needs by the Government of Ontario.
A blog post on challenging situations regarding the health care of adults
A blog post on challenging situations regarding the health care of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities during COVID-19.
COVID-19 Mythbusters by the World Health Organization (WHO)
COVID-19 Mythbusters by the World Health Organization (WHO). This website explores facts and myths related to COVID-19.
This article was written as a collaboration between the Adult Autistic and Medical Communities
This article was written as a collaboration between the Adult Autistic and Medical Communities. It contains advice and resources for autistic individuals related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A list of resources for COVID-19, developed by Autistics United Canada
A list of resources for COVID-19, developed by Autistics United Canada.
A COVID-19 guide written in plain language about staying home
A COVID-19 guide written in plain language about staying home, and staying connected.
Tips and resources for families with disabilities
Tips and resources for families with disabilities by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.
A blog containing tips on autism and COVID-19
A blog containing tips on autism and COVID-19.
A guide on conducting speech therapy interventions at home
A guide on conducting speech therapy interventions at home for infants and toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children, adolescents, and young adults.
A YouTube video by Oregon Department of Human Services on COVID-19
A YouTube video by Oregon Department of Human Services on COVID-19 and how to protect yourself.
A Twitter Question and Answer hub
A Twitter Question and Answer hub where youth and their family can ask questions about disabilities and COVID-19.
An article by Dr. Anthony Bailey
An article by Dr. Anthony Bailey (Chair of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia) on supporting indivduals with autism and their families during COVID-19.
A social story explaining pandemics and COVID-19 by Carol Gray
A social story explaining pandemics and COVID-19 by Carol Gray.
Tips on COVID-19 and pandemics by Sesame Street
Tips on COVID-19 and pandemics by Sesame Street for verbal and non-verbal children with autism.
Provides resources and ideas for families and educators of children with autism
Provides resources and ideas for families and educators of children with autism. This site contains many illustrated stories for children on topics related to COVID-19.
How to wash hands properly to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by the Government of Canada
How to wash hands properly to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by the Government of Canada. This resources includes visual references.
Tips on how to clean your home during the COVID-19 pandemic
Tips on how to clean your home during the COVID-19 pandemic from The New York Times.
An info-graphic on social distancing
An info-graphic on social distancing.
An article written by an individual on the spectrum on social distancing
An article written by an individual on the spectrum on social distancing and the strengths of individuals with autism.
A social story on the importance of washing hands by Carol Gray
A social story on the importance of washing hands by Carol Gray.
Tips on handwashing, including visuals
Tips on handwashing, including visuals.
An article on coping with uncertainty during COVID-19
An article on coping with uncertainty during COVID-19.
An app to support individuals with autism to understand and self-manage anxiety
An app to support individuals with autism to understand and self-manage anxiety.
A social story explaining uncertainty about the future around school
A social story explaining uncertainty about the future around school and outings by Carol Gray.
An online toolkit for supporting individuals with autism
An online toolkit for supporting individuals with autism during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Washington Post article about helping children with autism to cope with the uncertainty of COVID-19
A Washington Post article about helping children with autism to cope with the uncertainty of COVID-19.
Tips provided by the World Health Organization on how to cope with stress about COVID-19
Tips provided by the World Health Organization on how to cope with stress about COVID-19.
A blog post from a self-advocate on their thoughts during quarantine
A blog post from a self-advocate on their thoughts during quarantine.
A guide for things to do during the pandemic for individuals with autism, written by a self-advocate
A guide for things to do during the pandemic for individuals with autism, written by a self-advocate.
A YouTube video by Dr. Peter Vermuelen offering tips about how to deal with some of the uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic
A YouTube video by Dr. Peter Vermuelen offering tips about how to deal with some of the uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic.