Dear Families and Educators,

As the return of the school year approaches, we understand the concern parents, families, and educators have regarding the new guidelines to keep our students safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What will this look like for our students?

While many aspects will look different right now, it is important to keep some key factors in place. Keeping structure, whether physically at school or virtually, will help ensure students stay on tracking. Setting up clear expectations for students provided in a format that works for the student helps students know what they need to do.  Lastly, remember to provide grace and support.  Our students will learn how to get through this from the adults around them, and showing support and care will teach them how to get through tough times now and in the future.

What will this look like for our students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who thrive on structure and routine?

As much of this information is unclear at this time, our team at HANDS in Autism® Interdisciplinary and Training Center compiled a set of resources which can be utilized at home, in the community, or at school. In this Toolkit, we hope you will find many helpful resources to help you facilitate understanding of these new changes with your students and children in your home and when returning to the classroom. Please remember to stay safe and take care of yourselves and families!

All the best,

The HANDS in Autism® team