Below are important resources for autistic individuals and their families. We will continue to update this list – please check back frequently. If you have questions or resources to share, please email info@autismsocietymd.org
January 2022
Updates from the Howard County Health Department: COVID-19 | Howard County (howardcountymd.gov)
Plain Language Fact Sheets from the MD Developmental Disabilities Council and the MD Department of Health CLICK HERE
Updated resources form the CDC CLICK HERE
September 2021
New materials on COVID for individuals with developmental disabilities and their caregivers from the CDC
COVID-19 Vaccine information form the Howard County Department of Health
VACCINE UPDATES – August 2021
Information on Vaccines From Howard County Department of Health
COVID Resources for Persons with Disabilities – Maryland Department of Disabilities
March 24, 2021
Beginning March 30th Phase 2B Marylanders ages 16+ with disabilities who receive certain benefits will be eligible to receive vaccines. You may preregister NOW at https://covidlink.maryland.gov/content/vaccine/#prereg
Howard County residents in all phases who are interested in receiving vaccine from HCHD are encouraged to complete a vaccine interest survey at Information https://www.howardcountymd.gov/Departments/Health/MM-Alerts-and-Recalls/COVID-19-Vaccine
More details on eligibility in Phase 2B:
-Marylanders ages 16+ with underlying medical conditions that increase the risk for severe COVID-19 illness. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html
-Marylanders ages 16+ with disabilities who are receiving SSI or SSDI benefits, Maryland Medicaid EID individuals, Maryland Medicaid REM recipients, and Marylanders receiving TDAP benefits
-Marylanders receiving long term services and supports through the state’s Medicaid waiver and state plan services https://phpa.health.maryland.gov/Documents/2021.03.19-%20MDH%20Notice%20-%20Bulletin%20COVID%2019%20Vaccine%20Distribution.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1eHN1Y3V8UqzZPDL-lPRb59OY01yYR1TU9uiaUSuHetoOAlZLZY6JT05A
-For Language assistance service: https://onestop.md.gov/images/Language-Accessibility-Statement.pdf
Vaccine Guidance for the Disability Community Howard County MD – Office of the Howard County Executive
Phase 1C – Includes Direct Service Providers Now Eligible
Those included in Phase 1C include: Essential Healthcare Workers not in 1A (such as lab services); Critical Manufacturing Workers (producing materials necessary for continued operations of essential businesses); Food/Agriculture Production Workers; US Postal Service and Mass Public Transit Workers (such as workers on bus, subway, train, planes); Grocery Store and Food Bank Workers; Veterinarian and Support Staff; Clergy and other essential support staff for houses of worship.
Completing this survey DOES NOT pre-register you for a vaccination clinic. This survey provides the Health Department with your information so that once vaccination clinics are available for this group, we can contact you.
Click to complete our pre-registration survey.
Korean Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HoCoVaccine1C-3?lang=ko
Spanish Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HoCoVaccine1C-3?lang=es.
Chinese (Mandarin) Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HoCoVaccine1C-3?lang=zh
Phase 1B – Howard County Residents with IDD Eligible
VACCINATION SOCIAL STORIES & VISUALS TO DOWNLOAD (New!)
NEW! Para auydar a una persona con autismo a recibir la vacuna contra el Covid-19
NEW! Para Recibir La Vacuna Covid-19
NEW! Supporting Someone with Autism Getting the Covid-19 Vaccine – from The Hussman Institute
NEW! Getting the Covid-19 Vaccine – from The Hussman Institute
NEW! Supporting Individuals with Autism at Vaccine Clinics (FOR STAFF)
Vaccine Social Story (Autism Society of America)
Getting a Vaccine: A Social Story (Autism Society of Maryland)
ADDITIONAL VACCINE RESOURCES:
Statement of the Autism Society of America
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
FDA (Food & Drug Administration) Statement
Maryland Department of Health – covidLINK
Howard County Government Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Information & Updates
Vaccine Distribution Plan & Process (PDF) – Howard County, MD
Vaccine FAQ Sheet – Howard County, MD
TELEHEALTH/TELETHERAPY RESOURCES
Local Telehealth/Teletherapy Resources July 2020). *Please note that this list is a compilation of local organizations, resources and services and does not represent an endorsement of any of these entities by the Autism Society of Maryland. If you have suggestions of additional groups to add or corrections to the content here please contact our office at 410-290-3466 or info@autismsocietymd.org. We will continue to update the list periodically.
SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATION RESOURCES – FALL 2020
Supplemental Education Resources (Oct. 2020)
Please note that this list is a compilation of local organizations, resources and services and does not represent an endorsement of any of these entities by the Autism Society of Maryland. If you have suggestions of additional groups to add or corrections to the content here please contact our office at 410-290-3466 or info@autismsocietymd.org. We will continue to update the list periodically.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
We know the constant barrage of news and headlines about the Coronavirus can be stressful. Everyone is working to manage stress and anxiety while remaining informed. Below are some tips that may help:
If you are having a Mental Health Emergency
- Call 911
- Call The Grassroots Mobil Crisis Team at 410-531-6677
- Call NAMI Howard County at 800-950-6264, Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm or TEXT The Crisis Text Line, A 24/7, Confidential Text Message Service (Text “NAMI” to 741741)
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
Mental Health & Respite – Autism Society of America
How to talk with children about the coronavirus
https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/
Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/coping.html
5 Things To Know About CoronaVirus and People With Disabilities
Resources through Howard County, MD
We would also like to share these tips from NAMI Howard County for your own mental health:
- Take breaks from your news consumption: With smartphone apps, push notifications, and 24/7 news coverage, there is a tremendous amount of information available at all times. It’s okay to take breaks. Be observant of your own tendencies in news consumption, and limit your time on news sites if you notice yourself spending a lot of time on them.
- Be cognizant of your social media use: Social media can intensify the effects that you feel from news and information overload. The seemingly endless stream of information can make it difficult to shift your focus. Make sure to exhibit self-control when it comes to social media use, and consider deleting apps, turning off push-notifications, or giving yourself a mental break.
- Practice good stress management: Consistent and sound stress management practices can be an easy and effective way to mitigate news anxiety. Be sure to stick with practices that work for you.
We hope that you stay well during this difficult and stressful time. Please reach out to us if we can be of assistance at 410-290-3466 or email info@autismsocietymd.org
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Maryland State Department of Education:
Maryland Learning Links – All Covid Guidance
Autism Waiver Transitioning Youth 2021 Guide
Autism Waiver Appendix K-4-24-2020 (for Modifications During COVID-19)
Transitioning Youth From Autism Waiver 2020
Recovery Plan for Education – 2nd Draft (June 2020)
Extended School Year (ESY) Services During COVID-19
Parent Resources – Maryland State Department of Education
30 pages of wonderful resources for families on a variety of topics in a table format.
Wrightslaw
Webinar on Compensatory Education with Pete Wright and Attorney Wayne Steedman
Article on Compensatory Education by Pete Wright.
HOWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM (HCPSS)
NEW! Behavior Talks (Video Series)
Continuity of Learning – Special Education Page
Letter for Parents from HCPSS Family Resource and Services Center (4/2/2020)
Back To School Resources for Virtual Learning
We Wear Masks, a Social Story by Mike McGovern
Disability Rights Maryland:
New! Special Education During COVID-19: Presentation by Leslie Seid Margolis (WEBINAR-5/26/20)
Parents Guide: Navigating Special Education in the COVID-19 Pandemic (Maryland State Department of Education)
RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
Coronavirus Information Series from Autism Society of America
Social Stories for COVID-19 from Autism Society of America
AdaptEd – Free resource for creating social stories and support visuals
Download “My Coronavirus Social Story” from our website to help children and youth make sense of what is going on with the coronavirus, why school is out, how to stay healthy and more.
Download “My Coronavirus Social Story” from our website to help children and youth make sense of what is going on with the coronavirus, why school is out, how to stay healthy and more.
Download People With Disabilities and Others With Access and Functional Needs Toolkit (MD Department of Disabilities)
Supporting Students with Special Needs – Free, open-access training modules
Developed by Hussman & Holman (2018) in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education, offers systematic training, content and skills for those who work with students with disabilities. As many parents work to provide education and routine for their children during this time, these comprehensive, user-friendly modules are intended to enhance the educational experiences and outcomes of students with disabilities. Our sincere thanks to the Hussman Institute for Autism for making these modules available to our community!
1. Disability Awareness and Presuming Competence
2. Support Professionals in Individualized Education
3. Positive Behavior Support
4. Fostering Communication and Engagement
5. Instruction, Adaptations, and Supports
6. Encouraging Meaningful Inclusion and Relationships
7. Autism Spectrum
RESOURCES FOR ADULTS WITH AUTISM
Download People With Disabilities and Others With Access and Functional Needs Toolkit (MD Department of Disabilities)
Resources for Adults with Autism (from Autism Society of Minnesota)
Resources from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
AUSOM RESOURCES
Online Yoga Classes
Our weekly FREE Yoga Classes go online beginning March 28th each Saturday form 3:30-4:30pm until further notice. Information on how to access the Zoom Meeting/Class can be found on our calendar (click on the date). Thanks to the wonderful instructors at the Yoga Center of Columbia and our sponsor The Hussman Foundation, for making this possible!
ONLINE General Family Support Groups – To help you stay connected and feel supported, we have moved our General Family Support Group online. Please check our Calendar of Events for scheduled dates and instructions for accessing these group meetings.
ONLINE Asperger’s Family Support Group – To help you stay connected and feel supported, we have moved our Asperger’s Family Support Group online. Please check our Calendar of Events for scheduled dates and instructions for accessing these group meetings.
ONLINE Adult Social Group Meetings
The AUSOM Adult Social Group is taking its weekly Saturday meetings online! Interested in joining our Webex gathering?! Email ekmyers@gmail.com and we’ll send you the login information.
YOGA Classes – Online
Beginning March 28th, at 3:30pm (login at 3:15pm so you have time to access the Zoom meeting) and continuing each Saturday until further notice, our popular Yoga for Children, Teens and Adults with Autism goes online!. Our thanks to instructors from the Yoga Center of Columbia and the generous folks at The Hussman Foundation for making this possible! CLICK for information on how to access the Zoom Class.
Online Consultations with our Family Navigator
Our Family Navigator and licensed clinical social worker, is available for online consultations to help you access local resources, manage stress and anxiety, and assist those seeking relevant information for a family member with autism or themselves. Email info@autismsocietymd.org to make an appointment.
Emergency Support for Families and Individuals with Autism via the Madhu Thibaudeau Family Fund
AUSOM is offering small emergency grants of up to $250 while funds remain through its “Madhu Fund” for individuals with autism and their families who have been critically impacted by COVID-19. Click below to download the application or, if you are able, to make a donation to this fund.
CLICK to Download the Application
HOWARD COUNTY RESOURCES
Resources for Housing Rental Assistance during COVID-19
Howard County Government – Coronavirus Updates and Alerts
Howard County Health Department
The Department of Social Services (DSS) in an effort to protect you and your family from the spread of Coronavirus is asking for residents to utilize the below tools for accessing benefits.
To apply for benefits with DSS:
- You can apply online here for SNAP (Food Stamps) and cash Assistance programs. Works on mobile devices.
- Here for medical assistance and health insurance
- And here for Long Term Care https://mymdthink.maryland.gov/home/#/home
- Call 1-800-332-6347 to request a paper application and mail, email or fax to local office. Email: Howco.dss@maryland.gov. Fax 410-872-4231
Residents can submit any required documentation via the MYDHR portal or via email:
- Child support: hoco.child_support@maryland.gov
- FIA: fia.hoco@maryland.gov
To check status or have questions:
- Check MYDHR account for case updates
- Contact the call center at 1-800-332-6347 Monday-Friday 8:30- 5:00, call 410-872-8700, or Email Howco.dss@maryland.gov
To report abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult, please call child protective services at 410-872-4203 or adult protective services at 410-872-8823.
STATE & REGIONAL RESOURCES
United Way of Central Maryland – Need Help? Call 2-1-1
Maryland Health Connection – Open Enrollment for Uninsured Marylanders (th. 4/15)
Maryland State Department of Education
Mental Health Association of Maryland
NATIONAL RESOURCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) –
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA ) Information for Individuals with Limited English Proficiency (Available in Arabic, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese)
World Health Organization (WHO)
PARENTS’ PLACE OF MARYLAND
CLICK for Link to a helpful document for progress monitoring /online learning
Webinar – Document for progress monitoring/online learning
Fillable Form – Document for press monitoring/online learning
AUTISM SOCIETY OF AMERICA
Society of America COVID-19 Toolkit
The Autism Society of America will continually update relevant and reputable resources and information surrounding the Coronavirus especially for families impacted by ASD. Addresses issues such as mental health, modifying routines, lifestyle supports, education, and preparedness and resources. Weekly broadcasts via FaceBook live.
PATHFINDERS FOR AUTISM
ARTICLES OF INTEREST
The other coronavirus “front line:” at home with special needs children
For parents trying to replicate school for children with disabilities, a confounding task
