November 2021 Toolkit

This November, our focus will be on National Family Caregivers Month and staying healthy during the flu season; additionally, we’ll continue emphasizing COVID-19 and transitioning during the pandemic.  We will also continue to promote positive changes in public policy throughout the month.

National Family Caregivers Month

• Future Planning
• National Family Caregivers Month: Caregiver Aging Preparation Tips
• Caregiver stress: Tips for taking care of yourself
• ExtendaTouch, Caregivers Supporting Caregivers

Staying Healthy During the Flu Season

• Healthy Habits to Help Protect Against Flu
• Protect yourself and your family
• 12 Natural Treatment Tips for Colds and Flu

COVID-19 Resources

• Tips for Transitioning Kids on the Autism Spectrum Back to School During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Tips to help kids with autism transition back to in-person school
• Overview of Testing for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

Policy Resources

• Find resources on respite providers and many other resources related to respite care on the ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center.
• A new report: “Care Matters: A Report Card for Care Policies in the States” was recently released showing a range of caregiver policies in all 50 states.
• The Build Back Better reconciliation bill under consideration in Congress now includes resources to build the infrastructure for home and community-based services, respite care, paid family leave, supported employment, housing, special education and many other social service spending that would help people with autism and their families.
• Please continue to educate your Members of Congress about the importance of building the infrastructure that supports people with autism and other disabilities using our action alert. The number to call your members of Congress is 202-224-3121.
• On September 22, the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Act Family Caregiving Advisory Council delivered its initial report to Congress. It includes a comprehensive review of the current state of family caregiving and 26 recommendations for how the federal government, states, tribes, territories, and communities—in partnership with the private sector—can better Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage family caregivers. Download the RAISE Family Caregivers Act Initial Report to Congress. To learn more about the report development, see the RAISE Family Caregivers Act factsheet and read the press release.

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 [email protected].