Happy 2020! As we enter a new year and new decade, the Autism Society knew it was important to focus on providing resources and ideas for sensory-friendly winter activities, healthy eating and exercise programs, and creating goals for 2020 and beyond.

In 2018, our affiliate network hosted over 160 sensory-friendly exercise events that served nearly 4,000 individuals, including swimming and bike programs, summer camps, and walking events geared toward healthful engagement and autism awareness. For this reason, Autism Society has created a digital toolkit of resources, information, referrals and supports to help autistic individuals and their families navigate 2020 public policy and its impact on exercise and health.

Public Policy Resources for 2020:

2020 is an election year, which means the Public Policy and Marketing teams will be working together to provide non-partisan information on voting and comparative candidate views on autism and other disability policies.

• Transformation to Competitive Employment Act
• Keeping All Students Safe Act: Addressing Restraints and Seclusion
• ABLE Age Adjustment Act
• Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act 

New Year & Goal Setting Resources

• 5 Best Practices for Setting Goals with Autism in the New Year by Autism Parenting Magazine
• Goal Setting, Rewards and Autism by The Art of Autism
• Autism Helper’s Winter Activity and Communication Games

Diet and Fitness Resources:

• Winter Activities for Science and Sensory Play by Little Bins for Little Hands
• The Sensory Toolbox’s 5 Winter Tips for Sensory Challenges
• Autism Society’s Tips to Avoid Winter Blues
• Autism Society’s “Ask The Experts: How to Create Effective Fitness Programs“
• 5 Exercises Designed for People with Special Needs by Specialty Athletic Training
• Autism Society’s Finding Fitness Resource
• How to Help Your Child with Autism Overcome Picky Eating by Autism Parenting Magazine
• Promoting Healthy Eating by the Marcus Autism Center

Affiliates In Action:

• Autism Society of Southern Arizona Playformance Meet-Ups
• Howard County Autism Society’s 1 to 1 Fitness Program
• Autism Society of Minnesota’s Winter Explorations
• Autism Society Mahoning Valley: Monthly Social Outings

We encourage you to contact the Autism Society affiliate in your area, as our affiliates are often the most knowledgeable about local services. To find an affiliate in your area, click here.

The Autism Society’s National Contact Center staff are here to get you to the resources you need and to make this time a smooth, happy transition to a great school year ahead! Our Information & Referral Specialists are available Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 9:00 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!