COVID-19 Resources
The Autism Response Team (ART) is an information line for the autism community. Its team members are specially trained to provide personalized information and resources to people with autism and their families.
(888) AUTISM2 (288-4762) – English
(888) 772-9050 – SpanishAutism Speaks Back to School Toolkit
Autism Speaks has compiled a digital toolkit of resources, information, referrals, and support to help autistic individuals and their families navigate the return to school and individualized education program (IEP) information as well as public policy and advocacy highlights to assist in transitions during the pandemic.
Autism Speaks COVID-19 Information and Resources
Information for the autism community.
Autism Timely Toolkits for Uncertain Times
The Autism Focused Intervention Resources and Modules (AFIRM) Timely Toolkits are designed to support autistic individuals, their caregivers, and related professionals as they navigate through specific global and/or local events that may disrupt or impact routines.
The Timely Toolkits include:
- Supporting Individuals With Autism Through Uncertain Times
- Supporting Adults With Autism Through Uncertain Times Companion Guide
- Supporting Online Learning for Students With Autism
- Resources for Autistic Individuals and Their Families Impacted by War and Displacement
- Talking About Gun Violence With Autistic Individuals
Available Benefits Under the American Rescue Plan Act
The Illinois Department of Human Services in collaboration with the Illinois Commission on Poverty and Economic Security has put together a summary document listing new benefits that are now available to individuals and families through the recent passage of the American Rescue Plan Act.
The types of benefits include stimulus checks, earned income tax credits, child tax credit, unemployment insurance, rental or mortgage assistance and food, cash, childcare and/or medical support.
Baby Formula Shortage Tips and Information – American Academy of Pediatrics
HealthyChildren.org, the parenting website of the American Academy of Pediatrics, provides tips on finding baby formula during the shortage and what you may safely consider if you can’t find any.
The site is updated regularly with helpful information and the latest guidance.
Baby Formula Shortage Tips and Information – HHS
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website has resources in a variety of languages to help families find infant formula during the shortage.
These resources include information on safe substitutes, formula company contacts and community programs.
Baby Formula Shortage Tips and Information – Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has trained caseworkers to help families with formula questions. You can contact the IDHS Help Line at (800) 843-6154. The Help Line is primarily for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) participants but is open to all Illinois residents.
For Illinois WIC participants, a waiver now allows for flexibility in the size and type of formula available to buy with WIC benefits. More details are on IDHS’ “Having Trouble Finding Formula” page. Illinois WIC programs also provide a wide range of support for breastfeeding mothers and funds for healthy foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables. More information and updates can be found on the Illinois WIC website. Families can also call (217) 782-2166 for additional support.
Baby Formula Shortage Tips and Information – U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released information on the international formulas that will soon be on store shelves in the United States to help families during the formula shortage. Some of these formulas have different mixing guidance and will require conversion from milliliters to ounces.
The FDA has a “Tips for Preparing Imported Infant Formula” handout available to help. (The handout is also available in Spanish.)
Baby Formula Tips and Information – HHS
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website has resources in a variety of languages to help families choose the correct infant formula, and prepare and use it safely.
These resources include information on safe substitutes, formula company contacts and community programs.