Resources for Autistic Individuals and their Families Impacted by War and Displacement
Children and families impacted by war and displacement are likely experiencing severe trauma, and responses may include anxiety, sadness, shame, difficulty concentrating, feeling numb, insecurity, and physical pain. These responses may be heightened for autistic individuals. Our resources include three main categories: social narratives, visual supports (templates for daily routines and choices), and coping strategies. They are designed to help provide understanding during these chaotic times and offer routines that may bring comfort or familiarity.
These resources are designed to be viewed/used on a mobile device given printing inaccessibility.
Resources:
- Social Narratives
- Visual Supports
- Coping Strategies
Suggested Citation:
Hume, K., Waters, V., Dees, B., Rentschler, L., Sam, A., Steinbrenner, J., Kennedy, T., Tomaszewski, B., Reszka, S., Perkins, Y., Nowell, S., & Bossen, B. (2022). Resources for Autistic Individuals and their Families Impacted by War and Displacement. Chapel Hill, NC: School of Education, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, and Allied Health of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved from: https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/timely-toolkits/resources-for-autistic-individuals-and-their-families-impacted-by-war-and-displacement/
Translations and Adaptations
| Resource | Translated by |
|---|---|
| Russian Translation | Danna Summers, Ph.D., AP Baishev University |
| Ukrainian Translation | Dariya Orlova-Zhernovaya, NGO Child with Future |
Resources for Autistic Individuals and their Families Impacted by War and Displacement Full Toolkit
The Resources for Autistic Individuals and their Families Impacted by War and Displacement Toolkit contains all of the content, strategies, and resources related to supporting autistic individuals facing war and/or displacement.
Social Narratives
A social narrative can explain in simple language what is happening or what will happen. It can identify where the individual may be going and what the expectations are. Helping to clarify what is coming can increase predictability and a sense of control. Using both words and pictures can be helpful to support comprehension and reduce overwhelm.
Social Narratives for War and Displacement Packet
The Social Narratives for War and Displacement Packet contains all of the social narratives related to supporting autistic individuals facing war and/or displacement.
Social Narratives about War and Displacement (Autism Hub 2022).pdf
Social Narratives for War and Displacement
Social Narrative – Sleeping in a New Place I.pdf
Social Narrative – Sleeping in a New Place II.pdf
Social Narrative – Being Afraid I.pdf
Social Narrative – Being Afraid II.pdf
Social Narrative – Big Feeling & Being Gentle with Myself and Others I.pdf
Social Narrative – Big Feeling & Being Gentle with Myself and Others II.pdf
Social Narrative – Staying Safe I.pdf
Social Narrative – Staying Safe II.pdf
Social Narrative – Adjusting to a New Place I.pdf
Social Narrative – Adjusting to a New Place II.pdf
Social Narrative – Being in a Noisy Place I.pdf
Social Narrative – Being in a Noisy Place II.pdf
Social Narrative – Leaving Suddenly I.pdf
Social Narrative – Leaving Suddenly II.pdf
Visual Supports
Visuals can offer predictability and promote understanding even in the midst of a chaotic and uncertain time. Using a visual schedule, First/Then, or a visual reminder about the steps of a task can help orient someone to the next activity(ies) and provide a familiar routine. Offering choices, when possible, can also embed a sense of control during a time of crises. Choices can relate to HOW an activity is completed (e.g., wash your right hand or your left hand first) or WHAT is completed (eat your cracker or your fruit; sing this song or that song) even when there is little option for choice about the activities that must occur.
Visual Supports for War and Displacement Packet
The Visual Supports for War and Displacement Packet contains all of the social narratives related to supporting autistic individuals facing war and/or displacement.
Visual Supports for War and Displacement (Autism Hub 2022).pdf
Visual Supports for War and Displacement
Visual Support – What To Do If I Am Hurt.pdf
Visual Support – Daily Schedule Template I & Example.pdf
Visual Support – Daily Schedule Template II.pdf
Visual Support – Exercise Activities.pdf
Visual Support – Daily Activities I & II.pdf
Coping Strategies
Trauma can contribute to shut down, meltdown, physical pain, difficulty communicating, aggression, anxiety, and/or self-injurious behavior. This section includes ideas and supports that can promote coping skills during this very stressful time. One strategy is mindfulness. Mindfulness is a technique to remain present in the moment, by noticing feelings and events that are occurring, such as what sounds you are hearing or what you see in your surroundings. Mindfulness can help reduce stress.
Coping Strategies for War and Displacement Packet
The Coping Strategies for War and Displacement Packet contains all of the social narratives related to supporting autistic individuals facing war and/or displacement.
Coping Strategies for War and Displacement (Autism Hub 2022).pdf
Coping Strategies for War and Displacement
Coping Strategies – Coping Strategies.pdf
Coping Strategies – Calming Routine.pdf
Coping Strategies – Mindful Senses.pdf
Coping Strategies – Yoga Poses.pdf
Coping Strategies – Expression Activities.pdf
Coping Strategies – Soles of the Feet (Singh et al., 2003).pdf