May 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We hope this Newsletter can provide you and your children will valuable resources as we navigate through these unprecedented times.

Included is a resource guide ,which includes local and state resources, along with some fun summer activities.

Casel cares initiative offers online webinars every Friday for parents, caregiver and educators. Their focus is on Social and Emotional Learning. Social and Emotional Learning is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

https://casel.org/covid-resources/

"When a child is facing challenges to their functioning and well-being, finding the right services and support can be overwhelming. We are committed to helping you access the right services for your child.

• Behavioral health.
  Find help for a child or adolescent who has behavioral, mental health, or emotional challenges.
• Intellectual and developmental disability services.
  Find services for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including eligibility and application materials.
• Substance use treatment services.
  Find information about substance use treatment services and resources for eligible youth."

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZNuZd4mfR2s0u0R4E__i6rHa97EBTBbW/view

When the state lockdown began in early March, Autism New Jersey developed the following information, resources, and articles to help families and providers navigate the services in place to help individuals with autism through the extended COVID-19 quarantine.

We’ve been able to share relevant, accurate information in a timely manner during a fluid situation of great uncertainty.

Autism New Jersey has remained focused on our mission to be a resource for the autism community, and we will continue to do so as we begin to move through the stages of reopening.

We recognize that there are many questions and complex considerations, and we are working hard to address these substantial issues and provide our expertise and stakeholder perspectives as plans are developed.

During this time, we’re proud to say that not one call to our Helpline has gone unanswered. If you need assistance, call us at 800.4.AUTISM or information@autismnj.org

https://www.autismnj.org/article/covid-19-and-autism-in-nj/

Autism New Jersey realizes that every family has diverse needs, concerns, and priorities and is impacted by this crisis in different ways. We offer the following basic tips for your consideration; some may not be feasible in your life on certain days or at all. The challenges you may be facing may far exceed some of these recommendations.

The priority right now is the safety of your loved one(s) with ASD and everyone else in the household. These are simply general strategies intended to help manage these unprecedented circumstances. Try what you can, call us for support, and stay as safe as possible.

https://www.autismnj.org/article/in-home-suggestions-for-parents-during-quarantine/

Disruptions to our personal and professional lives, schedule changes, and school closings present unique challenges individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. In these challenging times, we are sensitive to the needs of these individuals and their families. To help, we have compiled these resources aimed at reducing anxiety and restoring a sense of routine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jump to category:

• Share your story
• Past webinar recordings
• Free upcoming webinars
• Social stories and priming videos