COVID-19 Resources
AuSM’s Coronavirus Pandemic Autism Support Resources
As we work through these unprecedented days altered by the COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic, AuSM is here for you. You may be feeling anxious over changes in routines, unsure about how to handle social isolation and distancing, and nervous about copious and often conflicting information available through the news and social media. You are not alone.
AuSM is creating and collecting support resources to help guide you through the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to washing your hands frequently, staying in if you don’t feel well, and social distancing, there are other strategies you can employ that will support your physical and mental health as well as your connection to others.
AuSM will update this pandemic support resources web page frequently. If you have specific support needs, we also encourage you to reach out to us. AuSM’s Information and Resources specialists are available to support you via phone 651.647.1083 and e-mail info@ausm.org.
Amazon Smile
Are you spending more time online shopping to purchase essentials and other items? When you shop Amazon, please select the Autism Society of Minnesota as your charity of choice for the Amazon Smile Program. Choose AuSM as your preferred charity, shop as usual, and a percentage of your purchases will be given to AuSM to support programs and services for the Minnesota autism community. Thank you!
Wearing a Mask Social Narratives
Wearing a Mask in the Community
Education/Activities
Accessing Internet Service
Learn about the Emergency Broadband Benefit, which aims to lower cost and increase access.
STAR Autism Support
Free resources to help parents with students with high support needs as they engage in distance learning.
MN Low Incidence Projects Helping Your Child with ASD Learn at Home During Covid-19
At home strategies for teaching individuals with ASD.
Understanding the Pandemic/Coping with Anxiety
AuSM Guide to Managing Self-Quarantine and Social Distancing
This AuSM guide is a resource to support adults with autism through these unpredictable days.
AuSM’s Top 10 Ways to Care for Your Mental Health During the Coronovirus Pandemic
AuSM’s Counseling and Consulting Services team created this information sheet to support your mental health during the pandemic.
Autism Society of America COVID-19 Toolkit
Resources include information on mental health and respite, modifying routines, lifestyle supports, education, public policy, and more.
The Jed Foundation
Tips for managing stress and worries.
The Autism Educator: Coronovirus Social Narrative
Social narrative created to help alleviate fears and anxiety many children may be experiencing at this time.
The Conversation: 7 Science-Based Strategies to Cope with Coronavirus Anxiety
Suggestions, based on psychological science, to help you deal with coronavirus anxiety.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminstration
Taking care of your behavioral health during the pandemic.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Parent/caregiver guide to helping kids cope with the pandemic.
Child Mind Institute
Talking to kids about the coronavirus.
CDC: Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs in an Emergency
Caring for children in a disaster.
CDC: Helping Children Cope with Emergencies
SARTAC (Spanish language version)
An easy to read booklet about Coronavirus written by and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Positive Supports Minnesota COVID-19 Resources for the Community
Fillable Communication Form
If you do not speak with words or want a brief overview of your disability to share with a medical professional, this form outlines helpful information. You can print and fill it out to bring with you.
Mental Health Crisis
Warm Line: 651.288.0400 or text “Support” to 85511 or call 844.739.6369
Local Crisis Team: **CRISIS or see the county numbers
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.TALK (8255)
Crisis Lifeline: texting MN to 741741
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: 1.800.985.5990
Food Support
St. Paul Public Schools
Nutrition services support.
Minneapolis Public Schools
Nutrition services support.
Food Delivery
Nonprofits and businesses delivering food to those who are unable to leave home.
Food for Families
Minnesota restaurants and organizations offering free meals to those who need them.
Food Shelves
https://www.freefood.org
https://www.freefood.org/c/mn-st._paul
https://www.freefood.org/c/mn-minneapolis
Official Coronavirus Updates
Minnesota Department of Health
State-focused information and guidance.
Centers for Disease Prevention and Control
National-focused information and guidance.
Affordable Health Insurance for People with Disabilities