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A Unique Program to Support Autism Educators During COVID-19 Distance Learning
The COVID-19 crisis has led to unprecedented school closures and a rapid transition to distance education which severely disrupted educational services for students on the autism spectrum. Distance learning will likely continue beyond the acute crisis as social distancing efforts persist. The...
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Thriving During COVID-19: Transitioning to Virtual Programming for Individuals with Disabilities
In this ever-changing health crisis, the world has been altered. Our daily patterns have been changed and the ways in which we connect with and support others has shifted. For those with a disability, maintaining a sense of community and human connection is more important than ever. Organizations...
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Life in the Time of COVID-19: An Autistic Perspective
Like many autistics, I have been drawn to science fiction as far back as I can remember. The idea of an epidemic infecting the human race has always been a common theme in science fiction and is probably as old as the genre itself. As such, I have seen and read more stories about pandemics than I...
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The Effects of Stress Are on a Spectrum Too: Why I Can’t Think
To say that stress and anxiety are issues these days is to state the obvious. I have been having trouble doing my long-term work. I couldn’t focus on anything that wasn’t immediately tangible like a zoom meeting or writing a blog. Autistic and neurotypical friends were having the same problems....
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Coping During COVID-19: Strategies to Reinforce Executive Functioning Skills During Times of Change
As the world enters a perpetual state of “new normal” due to the COVID-19 pandemic, previously developed routines and coping skills may not be readily accessible - or may not work at all. Along with the closing of many schools and workplaces, drastically changing societal norms,...
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Maintaining Best Outcomes for Students in a Congregate Care Setting Amidst a Pandemic
COVID-19 posed immediate and unprecedented challenges to organizations providing intensive behavioral services in a congregate care setting to children and adolescents diagnosed with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities. The evolving discoveries about the novel virus and how to combat...
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Unforeseen Advantages of Virtual Learning: Improved Attendance, Participation and More
Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity, nonverbal communication, and difficulty making and maintaining relationships are some of the barriers individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face in their daily lives (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). In addition, there are high prevalence...
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Transitioning an ABA Company to Telehealth Service Delivery Model
Working for a company that provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, we were always tied to insurance companies’ untouchable rule: if you are not with the client face to face, you are not entitled to reimbursement and your time is not valid as service delivery. As Executive Director of...
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Talking to Individuals with Autism About COVID-19
“If you are caring for a child or loved one with autism, it is important to speak with him or her about COVID-19 to ensure they have the information and resources they need – without causing unnecessary worry and anxiety.” - Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Senior Vice President and...
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Addressing the Psychological Fallout of The Coronavirus Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic in the United States has led to great efforts to prevent the spread of the virus and to prevent fatalities. But the problems that people will face due to the pandemic will go beyond medical issues. In addition, it will be important to address a variety of psychosocial...
