This May, our focus will be on Mental Health Awareness Month, providing support resources, statistics, and information for inclusive summer activities; additionally, we’ll continue emphasizing COVID-19 education and general COVID-19 support. Our policy resources review President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, provide details about the virtual Disability Policy Seminar held this past April, and information about the Competitive Integrated Employment Act.

Mental Health Awareness Month

• Science Daily: Mental health conditions alarmingly high among children with autism, study finds
• Amaze: Autism and mental health
• Spectrum News: Analysis pins down prevalence of mental health conditions in autism
• Suicideology: Crisis Supports for the Autism Community
• AARP: Caregiver Burnout: Steps for Coping With Stress

Inclusive Summer Activities

• Summertime Socialization and Skill Building
• Autism Travel
• 21 Interesting And Fun Activities For Teenagers With Autism
• 10 Hobbies and Activities to Enjoy With Your Autistic Child

COVID-19 Resources

• Mental Health & Respite
• Coping with Stress
• We need better strategies to support autistic people as the COVID-19 crisis continues
• Chris Banks Discusses Mental Health During COVID-19 Crisis with Dr. Cathy Pratt
• Preventing & Spotting Psychiatric Crisis
• “Preventing & Spotting Psychiatric Crisis,” Christopher Banks, CEO & President of the Autism Society of America, and Dr. Bennett Leventhal
• My Hana Autism FB Live Episode

Policy Resources

• President Biden passed the American Rescue Plan to provide assistance during the pandemic. Learn how to access your benefits.
• Advocate for your state and community for the American Rescue Plan to directly impact those with autism and their families.
• The virtual 2021 Disability Policy Seminar was held from April 19th – 22nd. See the fact sheet from the seminar.
• Read the Summary of the Competitive Integrated Employment Act introduced in March 2021.
• Check out April’sIgnite newsletter containing a summary of President Biden’s 2022 Budget outline.
• Read March’s Ignite newsletter including an analysis of President Biden’s American Rescue plan.

The Autism Society’s National Contact Center staff are here to support you and provide you with the resources you need. Our Information & Referral Specialists are available Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (Eastern Time) at 800-3-AUTISM (800-328-8476) or info@autism-society.org.

The Autism Society is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all affected by autism. $50 allows the Autism Society to provide an hour of support to our affiliate network to create localized education resources, support, and advocacy to individuals and families affected by autism. If you found this article helpful, please consider supporting our efforts through a donation, every bit helps. Donate here!