What Exactly is Autism?
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.
(The resources added below contain links to offsite websites)
Resources and Data on Autism Today
- The Autism Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) has resources for disability advocacy related to autism, along with educational material.
- Easterseals Make the First Five Count Ages and Stages Screening Tool Easterseals offers a free, comprehensive and confidential online screening tool to help guide and keep track of your child’s growth and development during these first five years.
Communication & Assistive Technology
- Go Board Maker - Printable visuals to aide communication
- PECS USA - Free materials for using Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS)
- iTalkDoc - Free communication app to download to iOS or Android device
- AssistiveWare - Offering temporary licenses for Proloquo2go communication device software. Need to have an iPad running iOS 12.4 or later. Open to families and staff. Waiting list may occur.
- Talk to Me Technologies - Free communication boards and social stories
- Stay-Safe - Free access to apps for visually impaired, hearing impaired, and those with reading difficulty
- BeeLine Reader - Helps students with dyslexia, autism, and ADHD read on screen more effectively. Email education@beelinereader.com to receive a free account.
Behavior Supports for Parents & Caregivers
- Free Printable Behavior Charts - Free printable behavior charts and the ability to create/customize your own chart
- Using positive language to shape behavior - Examples of how to redirect behaviors using language that describes what the person should do instead
- Supporting Individuals With Autism Through Uncertain Times Packet - Includes visual supports for structure at home, social stories, suggested apps to download, tools for skill teaching, and strategies to increase calm while reducing problem behaviors
- ADHD Mindfulness Meditation - Free download of mindfulness meditation and other therapeutic activities
- Hands free device holder to allow caregivers to prompt while teaching skills - Link to purchase through Amazon
Speech & Language Supports
- Crafting Beautiful Speech and Language - Handy Handout strategies for promoting language during arts and crafts activities
- SLP Parent Handout - Tips for working on speech and language at home
Occupational Therapy Supports
- Fine Motor Skill Ideas - Handy Handout list of fine motor skills to teach by age group
- OT Morning Routine Tic-Tac-Toe - Printable tic-tac-toe game to make completing morning routine fun and motivating
- OT Activity Scavenger Hunt Bingo - Printable Bingo sheet to promote completion of OT activities and exercises
- Heavy Work Activities - List of heavy work activities which can be completed from home
- https://littletwistersyoga.com/online-store/ - Free at-home kids yoga lesson plans
- Yogarilla Cards - Link to purchase yoga pose cards
- Print and Play Game - Includes two games of Bingo – one with OT activities and another with a scavenger hunt. You may want to come up with your own version and reward for completing a row.
- The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder (The Out-of-Sync Child Series) Revised Edition by Carol Kranowitz - A book recommendation from an Easterseals Occupational Therapist
- Theraputty - Link to Amazon purchase of Theraputty, an activity recommended by an Easterseals Occupational Therapist
- May Fine Motor 2020 Calendar Challenge - Fine motor activities for each day of the month
Home Activity Ideas – Arts & Crafts
Free printable coloring pages and interactive online coloring:
- http://www.coloring.com/
- https://lol.disney.com/games/coloring-pages
- https://www.coloringnature.org/
- https://crazyadventuresinparenting.com
- https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/category/kids-activities/ - 4500+ kids activities to do at home
- https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems/ - Online drawing lessons
- https://www.lakeshorelearning.com/resources/free-resources - Free craft ideas and worksheets
- Using Household Supplies to Create New Activities - Ideas for getting creative with common household items
Home Activity Ideas – Social Games & Movement
- https://whatmomslove.com/kids/active-indoor-games-activities-for-kids-to-burn-energy/ - 87 Energy-Busting Indoor Games & Activities For Kids
- https://www.playmeo.com/activities/?subscription=free - 44 activities including physical games, social games, and problem solving
- https://www.bingocardcreator.com/bingo-cards/scavenger-hunts - Bingo card templates to structure a scavenger hunt
- https://circletimefun.com/ - Learn and bond with your 0-6-year-old. Follow and interact with an expert instructor. Code: HOMEFUN1
Home Activity Ideas – Educational
Educational virtual tours of local zoos and state parks (An ESSC staff favorite resource!):
- https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/live-cams
- https://www.virtualyosemite.org/
- https://www.louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne
- https://picturethisgames.com/?page_id=762 - The Picture. This app, available for free on iOS and Android is a virtual card-matching memory game allows you to customize your own "flashcards" with educational content and exercise your memory recall skills all in one. Cover any subject from social studies to language arts, or math to science.
- www.edpuzzle.com - Short (i.e., 3 min) videos on various topics and then asks the student multiple choice questions about the content. If the student doesn’t pass, they have to re-watch the video. Its designed for academics, but also has many videos in the special education section on topics like social skills, safety, and life skills. Its free to sign up, but it asks you for a school name. Can enter “Easterseals” as school name
- http://www.whizkidgames.com/ - Requires Adobe Flashplayer. Interactive games aimed at teaching independent living skills to children with autism.
- matchthememory.com - Online matching game
- https://wow.boomlearning.com/ - Website to create flashcard decks and educational games. Provides a free trial account. Not supported in Internet Explorer.
- https://www.abcya.com/grades/prek - Interactive stories and academic games
- https://www.starfall.com/h/index.php - Online academic games by grade level, including Pre-K
- https://www.vooks.com/- Large library of children’s books. Free for 30 days.
- classroommagazines.scholastic.com - Learning projects by grade level
- https://www.123homeschool4me.com/home-school-free-printables/ - Free printable educational worksheets arranged by grade or subject
- http://info.activedinc.com/covid - Web-based lessons for Pre-K through second grade that integrate movement into academics
- https://www.ageoflearning.com/schools - Free access to digital learning platforms: ABCMouse, Adventure Academy, and ReadingIQ
- Task Online Resources for Parents - List of sites and resources to support academic instruction at home. Many free or discounted options.
- The Cal OES Office of Access and Functional Needs (OAFN) revised AFN Library - Relevant and up-to-date materials, topics, and resources.
