Autism and the COVID-19 Coronavirus

Autism and the COVID-19 Coronavirus: Accessible Coronavirus Resources for Autistic People Generated by Autistic Psychologist

3-minute video with captions.

 

This official landing page will be maintained with up-to-the-minute information that is relevant to autistic people during the COVID-19 outbreaks. The highly specific needs of autistic people during the coronavirus pandemic concerns the emotional and physical wellbeing of autistics who may feel isolated when trying to learn about their safety. The effect of digital technology on issues such as global health and economic development is not fully accessible to people who learn differently, and not reliably from other people in their daily life.

Historically, autistic people do not learn the facts of life by way of socialization. In fact, a disproportionate number of autistics have learned about sex education through pornography and textbooks. “Lack of information and sexual education programs increases the risk of using pornography as a reference.”[]  According to the American Psychological Association (APA), neurotypical individuals have an increased need for social support, due to increased anxiety and depression from medical isolation in the coronavirus pandemic, also referred to as COVID-19.

Autistic Concerns and the COVID-19 Coronavirus. Autisitic Individuals: 

  1. May not learn adequately about the safety protocols, because health systems and social outlets are not fully accessible to autistic learning needs[]
  2. Are at a greater increased risk due to autoimmune comorbidity[]
  3. Must be empowered by psychologists to trust a reputable source, and to be nourished on that source page in logical, factual and scientific listing of accessible material.


Accessible Coronavirus Safety Resources for Autistic People

How to Discern Fake News, Pandemic Behavior, and Reputable Sources

Coronavirus fake news pandemonium is mainly generating clickbait articles to attract readers. Autistic people are best suited for systematizing, researching, and investigating all news information for accuracy and legitimacy. When reviewing a resource, you are also collaborating with a global body of appropriate messages to the public. You may make note of the following tips:

  • Limit your review of conspiracy theorists who make political arguments. Discussing how the global economy is involved in the spreading of the virus, may offset the energy you might otherwise devote to following pertinent information about a medical emergency.
  • Investigate the author by checking which organizations, universities, and research agendas that they are aligned with. You may explore their research by searching for them by name on Google Scholar, ResearchGate, or Academia. A spectator is someone who uses their knowledge or professional position to generate an opinion, often to gain more power (also called a pundit). 
  • Facebook top 10 Tips to Spot False News – If the story is reported by multiple sources you trust, it’s more likely to be true.

Anxiety and the Coronavirus

Support and Relief

  • People who receive social security benefits including SSI and SSDI are eligible for the #stimulus #checks and do 😇NOT😇 have to file a tax return if they typically don’t. Their information will be accessed through their social security administration records. #CARESact (see AARP)
  • The stimulus law puts on hold other debts that typically lead to tax refunds’ being garnished, such as overdue student loans or back taxes. But not child support. The coronavirus money can still be garnished if you’re overdue on those payments. [NBC]