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Stress and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Paying Attention to Your Cortisol Level in Challenging Times
The COVID-19 pandemic not only worries us about our health but our very survival as a society. We all can identify with the emotional, physical and cognitive impact of stress on our bodies and minds. In stressful situations we struggle to concentrate, remember and learn. We are more prone to...
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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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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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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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Maximizing Virtual Visits to Maintain Essential Touchpoints in Autism Care
The Coronavirus Pandemic brings much uncertainty to our lives but one constant remains: access to your medical teams. While it is critical to socially distance and stay healthy and safe, medical teams around the world are adapting and meeting the challenge to care for people through...
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Silver Linings: Potential Benefits of “the New Normal” for Individuals with ASD
COVID-19 has presented new challenges for individuals with ASD and their families, starting with curtailed access to essential services and rippling out to potentially life-altering changes. Ever-changing stay-at-home orders have led to ongoing uncertainty for health and safety, as well as a...
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Cover Up for Safety! Suggestions for Mask Toleration for Individuals with ASD
During this difficult and unpredictable time, everyone is faced with new challenges. These challenges may be exacerbated for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). School and daycare closures and a decrease in employment, among other changes, have caused a significant disruption to daily...
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Stronger Than We Think: The Advantages of Neurodiversity in the Face of Adversity
COVID-19 presents huge challenges and added layers of vulnerability for children and adults with autism and other special needs and their families. Some experience more adversity than others because of race and social class. However, it is my belief that neurodiversity has some built-in advantages...
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Understanding and Mitigating Challenges Faced by the Healthcare System when Treating Children with ASD and Problem Behavior
Meeting the healthcare needs of the heterogeneous population of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) poses a unique set of difficulties for an already burdened healthcare system during a pandemic such as the current COVID-19 crisis. Children with ASD experience the same childhood illnesses...
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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....
