Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources for people with autism, their families, providers and educators
Coronavirus Disease in Minnesota
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. Minnesotans should take action to protect themselves and others from infection. This website provides the latest information on COVID-19 for the State of Minnesota.
The resources below are intended to support people with ASD, their families, providers and educators during this time.
Mental health and crisis services:
For many people, the pandemic is a stressful time filled with worry about our community, our loved ones, and our own health. There are resources available to help.
State agency resources:
- Minnesota COVID-19 Response: COVID-19 impacts our society in almost every way imaginable. Numerous Minnesotans are unemployed or need assistance with food, housing, mental health, and more. Included are links to resources Minnesotans may find helpful in this time of great need.
- MN Children’s Cabinet COVID-19 Guidance (PDF): This guide is aimed at helping families find supports related to COVID-19, including economic, child care, mental health, and other supports. The guide is also available in Hmong, Somali, and Spanish.
- MN Department of Health (MDH): Find the latest information on the COVID-19 situation in Minnesota, including case information, travel guidance, ways to protect yourself and our family and strategies to slow the spread.
- MN Department of Human Services (DHS): DHS is working with other state agencies and the federal government to ensure services through the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. Return to this page for the latest information. Governor Tim Walz granted DHS emergency temporary authority to change administrative and regulatory requirements for food assistance, home care, public health care and other state programs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic through the Governor’s Executive Orders. This will create flexibility to serve vulnerable Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find a complete list of temporary waivers and program modifications.
- MN Department of Education (MDE): Governor Tim Walz and Education Commissioner Mary Cathryn Ricker have announced that all Minnesota public school districts and charter schools will extend the Distance Learning Period for the rest of the 2019-20 school year. Read Executive Order 20-41.
- MN Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED): We know that the COVID-19 pandemic creates a number of new challenges for businesses, workers, and government. DEED is working closely with the U.S. Department of Labor, the Walz-Flanagan Administration, and the Minnesota Legislature to take proactive steps to ensure the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic do not cause unnecessary burdens on employers and workers in Minnesota.
- Disability HUB MN: Contact Disability HUB MN if you have questions about how your programs and services are impacted by COVID-19 at 1-866-333-2466 or by live chat or e-mail. Disability HUB MN Coronavirus resources
- The Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) Health Equity webpage now has a page dedicated to concerns about COVID-19 and Persons with Disabilities.
- MDH guidance for congregate living settings: MDH has also provided guidance for congregate living settings such as group homes and questions and answers for staff, families and clients of children’s residential facilities.
- Access to support for Patients with Disabilities and Pediatric Patients in Hospital Settings (PDF): The Minnesota Department of Health is providing this guidance to remind licensed Minnesota hospitals of their obligations to patients with disabilities, pediatric patients, and other persons who may enter their facility to support a child or a person with a disability.
- Best Practices for Masks: Considerations for People with Disabilities and Special Health Needs
- Distance Learning and Disability Services for children guide (PDF)
- Case manager guidance for distance learning and disability services
General Resources:
School, Child-care or other providers
Educational resources:
Plan for Emergency Hospitalization:
Social Stories and visual supports:
Virtual Calming Rooms:
We know this time can be overwhelming. These virtual calming rooms were designed to offer different strategies for managing emotions.
Cultural resources:
MN Department of Health COVID-19 Hotlines:
Interpreters available
Health questions:
651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Schools and child care questions:
651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504
Weekdays: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Weekend: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
