Autism and COVID-19: resources for families

In the midst of dealing with COVID-19, many families affected by autism are dealing with additional stress during what is celebrated each year as Autism Awareness Month (and also as Autism Acceptance Month). Important, familiar routines have been disrupted with the transition to online learning, stay-at-home orders and the suspension of essential services.

The Child Mind Institute has gathered some helpful resources for families trying to navigate these challenges. Autism and the Coronavirus: Resources for Families offers tips for creating schedules and developing routines, handwashing, talking to children about the coronavirus and generally supporting children with autism during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Purdue’s commitment to supporting employees and dependents affected by autism through benefits and resources is ongoing. Autism resources and health plan information are found on Purdue’s Family Friendly website.

In 2016, the University extended autism coverage to include applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy for Purdue benefits-eligible employees on the West Lafayette, Fort Wayne and Northwest campuses and their covered dependents. Physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy benefits are also available.