COVID-19 Resources: 

• What is Coronavirus? By Amanda McGuiness (PDF) 
• How to talk to your kids about Coronavirus posted by PBS
• Just for Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus posted by NPR
• How to Explain a Global Health Crisis to Children with Autism by Katherine Stavropoulos 
• Talking to Your Child about Tragedy: Six tips for the autism community posted by Autism Speaks  
• Flu Teaching Story posted by Autism Speaks 
• Germs Social Story posted by Autism Speaks 
• Wash your Hands! posted by CDC
• APA Division 33 Podcasts 

We list selective, new community events on our Facebook page:  www.facebook.com/ucrsearchcenter

Currently, SEARCH is involved in a collaboration with the Inland Regional Center and Fiesta Educativa, Inc. funded by the California Department of Developmental Services. In a project entitled, Increasing Awareness and Support for Parents of Youth with ASD in the Desert and Coachella Valley. This project addresses some of these challenges to our target population by bringing information on autism spectrum disorders to this region in a culturally sensitive manner – to inform and to educate, and to provide outreach to existing stakeholders and to link families to existing services. The next conference will be held in May, 2020, and focus on the transition to adulthood. This will be offered free to stakeholders.

Connect with local Autism Society chapters:

• Inland Empire
• Coachella Valley

Need information on Medi-Cal services, Regional Center, and IEPs?  We've got you covered!

Finding the right resources for a loved one can be difficult. SEARCH has compiled some helpful information from our friends at the Autism Health Insurance Project and Disability Rights California.  Families may also email SEARCH staff at searchcenter@ucr.edu for educational information helpful for their children.

• How to get Autism Assessment and Treatments Through Medi-Cal (PDF)  
• Registering with the Regional Center (PDF)
• Special Education Rights: Requesting an IEP (PDF)

Check out SEARCH's Tips for Summer Fun!

What to do during summer or longer school breaks:

1. Go to the movies. AMC Theaters offer special movie showings that are designed specifically for kids with ASD. Lights are left on, the movie is at a kid-friendly volume, and kids can talk or get up without bothering anyone.
2. Have a “staycation.” If you can’t make it out of town for a vacation, enjoy what your community has to offer. Check out your local recreation center to find out about swimming or art classes, sports leagues, or day camps that your child can participate in during their break from school.
3. Wash the car. Activities that may seem like a chore to an adult can be fun for kids. Give them the water, soap, and towels and let the kids enjoy themselves!
4. Have a movie night at home. Bring out pillows and blankets, make some popcorn, or maybe even make your own movie tickets! Make a normal activity into a special event for your family.
5. Set up tents in your house or yard. Use a real tent in your yard or set up blankets and pillows in your living room. This can entertain your child for hours, and act as a quiet spot if they need a break.
6. Record your activities or events. Bring your camera and document all the things you do with your family. Put the pictures into an album so your child has a visual reminder of the fun they had during their special time with you..

Tips

1. Create a schedule. Give children a sense of what to expect. Fill in big family vacations or trips, but also smaller events like playdates, on a calendar that the child can see.
2. Maintain the usual family rules and routines. Keep regularly scheduled chores and bedtime habits. Although it is fine to stay up a little later on vacation, remember that sleep deprivation can lead to irritability and meltdowns during the day.
3. Be safe around water. Find a life jacket that suits your child’s needs (it may not be a typical life jacket!). Have your child participate in swim classes at an early age. Be within arm’s reach of your child when around any open water. Be sure to drain bathtubs, kiddie pools, or any other container of water when you’re done using them.
4. Prepare activities to keep your child engaged on long trips. Bring magazines, computer or iPad games, movies, or items your child may enjoy to prevent meltdowns.
5. Take a break. Don’t get overwhelmed with the responsibilities and extra planning that vacations or school breaks  can bring. Hire a sitter or ask a family member to help watch your child for an evening. You can also look into special needs camps that can provide your child with fun activities while you get a chance to relax.  

Online Resources
http://www.mayinstitute.org/news/inside_may.html?id=1257
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/elaine-hall/living-with-autism-summer_b_671618.html
http://spiritofautism.org/summer-safety-tips-for-parents-of-children-with-autism/
http://www.myaspergerschild.com/2013/07/surviving-summer-with-kids-on-spectrum.html