Introduction

Content on this site will help you learn how you can:

• Stay safe and avoid contracting the COVID-19 virus.
• Become better at self-advocating for your personal health and well-being.
• Address your mental health needs as you continue to adjust to living in a world quite different from what it was prior to March 2020 when the pandemic was first identified in the U.S.

Research indicates people on the autism spectrum already “experience greater unmet health care needs, greater emergency room use, less use of recommended preventive care services, lower satisfaction with health care, lower health care self-efficacy, and a greater number of barriers to health care than nonautistic adults” (Raymaker, 2012). In the atmosphere of this pandemic, the autism community faces a significant increase in regard to care due to additional barriers implemented by government and health officials. These barriers can further complicate both medical and mental health conditions, and also lessen access to services and supports typically utilized by autistic individuals and those who may be involved in their care.

While individuals and institutions from all sectors can do their part to address these concerns, we know there are things in your power you can learn and do to maximize your potential to live as safely and as well as possible.

The content on this website will explicitly teach, model, and give opportunities to practice skills prior to healthcare visits that can help ensure you are prepared to answer wellness check questions and practice COVID-19 safety measures. Additionally, community providers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers will also find resources for their role in helping the autism community during this difficult time in our lives.

We believe this website (and the adjacent efforts of Autism Society of Nebraska) will assist the autism community of Nebraska in staying healthy during the COVID-19 Pandemic and build health-related self-advocacy skills during this crucial time and beyond.

Please explore this site and engage with the videos. We want you to be as healthy and as safe and empowered as you can possibly be as we all go through this Pandemic together.

Some final thoughts:

Everyone in Nebraska — indeed everyone on this planet — is going through this pandemic right now. While we have learned a lot since March 2020 about how we can protect ourselves, we still have a while to go before the pandemic is deemed over. Let’s stay vigilant by practicing good hygiene, wearing our masks, practicing good social-distance skills whenever possible, and staying home when we are sick to prevent the spread of the virus.

Everyone struggles with health communication. Talking with healthcare professionals and putting feelings of pain and discomfort into words can be difficult. Listening to your body, preparing for how you will communicate your health issues, practicing communication skills, and reflecting on how visits and interactions played out can help you become a better self-advocate with each interaction.

We all need to take care of our mental health right now. It is okay to not be “okay.” Strategies exist for reducing anxiety, feelings of isolation, and boredom. Resources exist for the autism community — and all people — with grave concerns. Professional help is available, when needed; and it can be a tremendous relief.

We are here for you.

This project is our effort to help you maximize your safety and self-determination during this time.

Stay Safe and Self Advocate!

The Autism Society of Nebraska Board of Directors, Volunteers, and Partners

If you have any questions about this website, you can contact autismsociety@autismnebraska.org