Helpful Links
This is a loose collection of links that I will add to on occasion. (Note: HikingAutism does not promote or endorse any treatments or commercial products, and any links listed from commercial entities are noted because they have general informational content that may be helpful to readers.)
Various park services in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond:
Golden Gate National Recreation Area, National Park Service treasure with sites in several counties: www.nps.gov/goga/index.htm
California Department of Parks and Recreation, for information on visiting parks, including camping reservations: www.parks.ca.gov
San Francisco Recreation and Park, Parks and Open Spaces in a city rich in options for outdoor adventures: sfrecpark.org/parks-open-spaces/
County of Marin Parks, including a variety of state parks, open space preserves, and county parks: www.marincounty.org/recreation/parks-in-marin
County of San Mateo Parks Department, check under the list of parks for a long list of outdoor sites to visit: parks.smcgov.org
East Bay Regional Park District, offering a wide range of parks over multiple counties: www.ebparks.org/parks
Special Needs Information Support in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond:
Autism Society San Francisco Bay Area
https://sfautismsociety.org
Support for Families of Children with Disabilities offers a wide variety of information and support services. https://www.supportforfamilies.org
Pomeroy Recreation & Rehabilitation Center provides a variety of programs for people with special needs, children and adults. https://www.prrcsf.org/our-mission
UC Davis Mind Institute is a premier research organization focusing on neurodevelopmental disorders. www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mindinstitute/
AASCEND Autism Aspergers Spectrum Coalition for Education Networking and Development
http://www.aascend.org
Special Needs Nutrition:
Julie Matthews offers helpful nutrition for special needs issues in her Nourishing Hope web site. nourishinghope.com
Miscellaneous disabilities support links sent in by readers, for the most part most recent listed from the top (to be listed by category in future):
A set of links for teachers, starting with teaching students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms, sent from Brendan.
Various park services in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond:
Golden Gate National Recreation Area, National Park Service treasure with sites in several counties: www.nps.gov/goga/index.htm
California Department of Parks and Recreation, for information on visiting parks, including camping reservations: www.parks.ca.gov
San Francisco Recreation and Park, Parks and Open Spaces in a city rich in options for outdoor adventures: sfrecpark.org/parks-open-spaces/
County of Marin Parks, including a variety of state parks, open space preserves, and county parks: www.marincounty.org/recreation/parks-in-marin
County of San Mateo Parks Department, check under the list of parks for a long list of outdoor sites to visit: parks.smcgov.org
East Bay Regional Park District, offering a wide range of parks over multiple counties: www.ebparks.org/parks
Special Needs Information Support in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond:
Autism Society San Francisco Bay Area
https://sfautismsociety.org
Support for Families of Children with Disabilities offers a wide variety of information and support services. https://www.supportforfamilies.org
Pomeroy Recreation & Rehabilitation Center provides a variety of programs for people with special needs, children and adults. https://www.prrcsf.org/our-mission
UC Davis Mind Institute is a premier research organization focusing on neurodevelopmental disorders. www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mindinstitute/
AASCEND Autism Aspergers Spectrum Coalition for Education Networking and Development
http://www.aascend.org
Special Needs Nutrition:
Julie Matthews offers helpful nutrition for special needs issues in her Nourishing Hope web site. nourishinghope.com
Miscellaneous disabilities support links sent in by readers, for the most part most recent listed from the top (to be listed by category in future):
A set of links for teachers, starting with teaching students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms, sent from Brendan.
- How to Teach Students with a Disability in an Inclusive Classroom
- Why is Teacher Diversity Important in Schools?
- Reasons Differentiated Instruction can Make a Difference in a Child's Education
- Preventing Bullying in Schools: Teacher Guide
- A series of guides for those with disabilities with resources on attending college, sent from Jackson.
https://study.com/resources/college-resource-for-students-with-disabilities#0501
https://study.com/resources/online-college-with-a-learning-disability#0501
https://study.com/resources/students-with-learning-differences-guide#0501
https://study.com/resources/college-transition-independent-living-autism.html#501
Information on The Autism Nature Trail, a groundbreaking nature experience designed for those on the autism spectrum, sent from Loren.
https://autismnaturetrail.com/
Establishing a Bedtime Routine for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, sent from Sarah
https://purple.com/blog/bedtime-routines-for-children-with-autism
Guide to Assisted Living for Seniors with Disabilities, sent from Ann
https://www.assistedliving.org/assisted-living-for-seniors-with-disabilities/
Financial Resources for People with Disabilities, sent from Juliana.
https://www.madisontrust.com/client-resources/articles/financial-resources-for-people-with-disabilities/
Home Remodeling Guide for Seniors with Disabilities, and Federal and Sate Financial Assistance for Seniors, sent from Darlene
https://www.caring.com/caregivers/home-remodeling-guide-for-seniors-with-disabilities/
https://www.caring.com/caregivers/federal-and-state-financial-assistance-for-seniors/
Life Planning for Individuals with Disabilities: A Financial Planning Guide for Parents and Caregivers, sent from Devin
https://life.selectquote.com/resources/articles/life-planning-for-people-with-disabilities/
Guide to Medicare, which covers not only seniors, but also some people with disabilities, sent from Sarah
https://www.singlecare.com/blog/seniors-guide-to-medicare/
California Memory Care information, focused on seniors, but overlaps with disabilities issues, sent from Amy
https://www.dementiacarecentral.com/memory-care/california
Downsizing Tips, focused on residential moves for seniors, but overlaps with disabilities issues, sent from Darlene
https://www.seniorhomes.com/senior-downsizing-guide/
Fall prevention advice for seniors, which is also helpful for many in the disability community,
DIY Home Modifications for Fall Prevention, sent from Sarah
https://primeweld.com/blogs/news/diy-home-modifications-for-senior-fall-prevention
Not specifically about autism, but applicable in light of many of the anxiety issues that affect those on the spectrum:
Low-Stress Jobs for People with Anxiety, sent from Kevin
https://psychologywriting.com/blog/low-stress-jobs-for-people-with-anxiety/
Resume and Employment Guide for People with Disabilities, sent from Kyle
https://www.resumebuilder.com/comprehensive-resume-and-career-guide-for-people-with-disabilities/
Travel Accessibility and Tips for Travelers with Disabilities, a very helpful link sent from Margaret and Eli:
https://www.titlemax.com/travel-accessibility-and-tips-for-travelers-with-disabilities/
Caring for Seniors with Autism, a link with information on a largely overlooked topic, sent from Katherine
https://www.parentgiving.com/elder-care/caring-for-seniors-with-autism/
Online College Guide for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students, sent from Zoe
https://www.intelligent.com/deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-student-online-college-guide/
"Medication Management for People with Disabilities," and "Sensory overload: Teaching children with autism to take medication," sent from Sarah
https://www.singlecare.com/blog/medication-management-for-people-with-disabilities/
https://www.singlecare.com/blog/teaching-children-with-autism-medication/
"How Do Disabilities Affect Oral Healthcare Outcomes?" sent from Maggie
https://www.zocdoc.com/blog/how-do-disabilities-affect-oral-healthcare-outcomes/
A link for the BeKind vest, which has been a huge help for some of our autistic friends when out and about in public, from Betsy:
https://autismodyssey.org/product/autism-be-kind-vest/, or through https://autismodyssey.org
Information Guide on Sensory Overload, with Tips on Management, from Holly in the UK
https://businesscostsaver.co.uk/sensory-overload-guide/
Information on sensory friendly and accessible event planning, sent from James
https://www.lejardininfini.com/blogs/le-jardin/guide-to-sensory-friendly-and-accessible-event-planning
Link for The Fly Brave Foundation, which offers a range of supports for the autism community, based in Sacramento, CA
https://www.flybrave.org
Link for Autism Career Pathways, an organization that offers neurodiversity training and career support for those on the autism spectrum
https://autismcareerpathways.com
List of discounts for persons with disabilities, sent in by Angelica
https://dealhack.com/blog/disability-discount-guide
Planning an Accessible and Sensory-Friendly Theme Park Trip, sent from Melanie:
https://disney.urbantastebud.com/planning-an-accessible-and-sensory-friendly-theme-park-trip/#
Article on accessible travel consideration for those with mobility issues, sent from Patrycja
https://www.camperdays.com/guide/accessible-motorhome-travel
Link on memory care resources, shared in light of concerns that overlap with special needs care, sent from Emily:
https://www.senioradvice.com/memory-care
Medicare guide about nursing home benefits for seniors, which includes those with disabilities, sent from Rebecca:
https://www.medicareplans.com/nursing-home-eligibility-benefits-guide/
Overview of Autism Spectrum Order from Pacific Medical Training, sent from Claire:
https://pacificmedicalacls.com/autism-spectrum-disorder
Collection of helpful information links, from Jasmine
Teaching Your Child About Disabilities and Different Abilities
https://unlimitedplay.org/teaching-your-child-about-disabilities/
Educational and Sensory-Friendly Online Resources for Children with Autism
https://www.sensorykid.info/blog/educational-and-sensory-friendly-online-resources-for-children-with-autism/
Transition to Adulthood: Home Modifications for Young Adults with Special Needs
https://www.bigrentz.com/how-to-guides/home-modifications-young-adults-special-needs
DIY Projects that Will Help Create a Sensory-friendly Bedroom for Children with Autism
https://diyguys.net/diy-projects-that-will-help-create-a-sensory-friendly-bedroom-for-children-with-autism/
How to create an inclusive classroom environment
https://www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/2017/11/15/create-inclusive-classroom-environment/
Disability Awareness Class Activity Lesson Plans
https://hiehelpcenter.org/disability-awareness-class-lessons/
The Top 3 Challenges to Finding a Babysitter for Your Special Needs Child ? and How to Overcome Them
https://localbabysitter.com/special-needs-babysitters/
Helping your Child Cope with Anxiety if They Have Special Needs
https://www.chcmass.com/2018/04/20/helping-your-child-cope-with-anxiety-if-they-have-special-needs/
38 Activities to Help Your Child Develop Sensory Processing Skills
https://parentingpod.com/sensory-activities/
Designing Play Areas for Kids with Special Needs, from Stephanie
https://www.lampsplus.com/ideas-and-advice/get-information-on-how-to-design-play-areas-for-kids-with-special-needs-with-lighting-and-more/
Life Planning Guide for Children with Special Needs, from Allison
https://requestlegalhelp.com/children-with-special-needs-planning-guide/
Information on Disabilities and Alcoholism, from Caitlin
https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/Resources/Disabilities/
Information on Autism Spectrum and Connection to Substance Abuse and Treatment, from Sara
https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/autism/
Information on Disability and Addiction, from Jordan
https://www.addictioncenter.com/Addiction/Disability/
A Guide to Dental Care for Children with Autism, from Mathebula
https://www.byteme.com/community/resources/article/dental-care-children-with-autism-guide/
Parent's Guide for Children with Special Needs at the Dentist, sent from Ben
https://www.drubiorthodontics.com/dentistry-for-kids-teens-with-disabilities/
"A Walk and Talk - Travelling with Asperger's and Tourette's Syndrome," from Lou and Lol in the UK
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U1bOoAasIo
Beginning backpacker guide, scout troop contribution from Marlene and Conner
https://www.journeys.com/articles/guide-for-beginner-backpackers
Backpacking for beginners guide, from Julien:
https://www.outdoorsgenerations.com/backpacking-beginners/
Assistive Technologies for the Hearing Impaired, from Patrick
https://www.verizon.com/info/technology/assistive-listening-devices/
STEM education insights and links for students with special needs, from Alexandra
https://www.bitira.com/crypto-stem-for-kids-with-special-needs/
"Variety pack" of helpful autism related links, from Linda:
How to Explain Autism to Children
https://indyschild.com/how-to-explain-autism-to-children/
Creating the Ultimate Sensory Room for Your Toddler
https://localbabysitter.com/creating-the-ultimate-sensory-room-for-your-toddler/
Top Safety Tips and Products for Kids With Autism
https://www.verywellhealth.com/top-autism-safety-tips-and-products-4143117
How to Stop Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from Wandering
https://www.steppingstonesca.com/single-post/2017/10/14/How-to-stop-children-with-autism-spectrum-disorder-from-wandering
How Nutrition Impacts Children With Autism
https://thefoodoasis.com/how-nutrition-impacts-children-with-autism/
12 Popular Games Adapted for Children with Autism
http://blog.stageslearning.com/blog/12-popular-games-adapted-for-children-with-autism
18 Social Skills Activities for Kids with Autism and Sensory Issues
https://www.merakilane.com/18-social-skills-activities-for-kids-with-autism-and-sensory-issues/
Multiple information links on understanding autism, sent from Jullieth:
https://www.elemy.com/studio/guides/parents-guide
https://www.elemy.com/studio/autism-resources/resources-and-help
https://www.elemy.com/studio/autism/levels
Info on disaster preparedness while camping and hiking, from Jessica:
https://online.rider.edu/online-masters-degrees/master-health-communication/disaster-preparedness-while-camping-and-hiking/
Internet safety related information for those on the spectrum, from Matthew:
https://www.wizcase.com/blog/internet-safety-guide-for-people-with-autism-spectrum-disorders/#8
Information on remodeling and retrofits with accessibility in mind, from Hermann:
https://porch.com/advice/all-about-accessibility-remodeling-and-retrofits#remodeled
Information links related to sleep and autism, sent from Phoebe:
https://www.terrycralle.com/how-sleep-affects-autism/
https://www.terrycralle.com/best-foods-to-eat-before-bed-for-better-sleep/
https://www.terrycralle.com/sleep-and-your-immune-system/
Sleep and Disabilities: Everything You Should Know, from Jennifer:
https://www.mattressclarity.com/blog/sleep-disabilities-everything-should-know/
Career and Employment Resources for People with Disabilities, from Maggie:
https://www.fiscaltiger.com/career-and-employment-resources-for-people-with-disabilities/
Designing the Perfect Home Playroom for Children with Autism, from Heather:
https://productdiggers.com/autism-playroom/
A Guide to Smart Home Tech for the Disabled and Elderly, from Lora:
https://www.thereviewsinsider.com/guide-to-smart-home-tech-for-the-disabled-and-elderly/
Helpful information regarding Autism and Dental Care, from Jamie:
https://www.emergencydentistsusa.com/autism-and-dental-care/
Various autism related links sent from Lisa of https://www.neighborhoodsprout.org:
How to Explain Autism to Typical Kids (and Lots of Others While You're At It)
https://www.whattoexpect.com/wom/family-life/how-to-explain-autism-to-typical-kids-and-lots-of-others-while-you-re-at-it.aspx
How Do You Know When Your ASD Child is Being Bullied?
https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/how-do-you-know-when-your-asd-child-is-being-bullied/
How to Create the Ultimate Playroom for a Child with Autism
https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/how-to-create-the-ultimate-playroom-for-a-child-with-autism/
7 Rockin’ Sensory Play Activities for Kids on the Spectrum
https://www.werockthespectrumkidsgym.com/7-rockin-sensory-play-activities-kids-spectrum/
Ways to Help Your Child With Autism Fit In Socially
https://www.verywellhealth.com/autistic-child-social-tips-260371
Sensory Friendly Birthday Party Activities for Children with Autism
https://koriathome.com/birthday-party-activities-for-children-with-autism/
Home Improvement Resources for the Elderly and Disabled, from Alex:
https://www.rtacabinetstore.com/resources/disabled-home-improvements/
Information on addiction issues related to disabilities, from John:
https://delphihealthgroup.com/addiction-and-disabilities/
Additional information on addiction issues contributed from Sam:
https://www.rehabspot.com/Opioids
Fully Accessible Guide to Smart Home Tech for Disabled and Elderly, from Lauren:
https://www.reviews.com/blog/fully-accessible-guide-to-smart-home-tech/
Outdoor sensory play, backyard accessibility/safety, from Beth:
https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/disability-friendly-backyard-for-kids/
Remodeling a home for people with disabilities, from Sarah:
https://www.yourbestdigs.com/guide/disability
Moving Tips for Seniors and People With Disabilities, from Kelly:
https://www.lifestorage.com/blog/moving/moving-tips-seniors-disabilities/
A new collection of great autism information links from Christy of http://wondermoms.org
Accommodations for Students with Autism
https://www.justgreatlawyers.com/students-with-autism
Guide to Better Sleep for Kids with Autism
https://www.sleepjunkie.org/autism-and-sleep
Autism Resource Center
https://www.aacap.org/aacap/families_and_youth/resource_centers/autism_resource_center/home.aspx
Creating an Autism Friendly Home
https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/sensory-friendly-home-modifications-autism-sensory-processing-disorder
Autism Support Network Resources
http://www.autismsupportnetwork.com/resources
Planning a Move with Autism
https://www.yourstoragefinder.com/moving-with-autism
30 Ways to Celebrate Autism Awareness Month
https://praacticalaac.org/praactical/30-ways-to-celebrate-autism-awareness-month/
Autism and Travel
https://www.thezebra.com/traveling-autism/
Jackie from wondermoms.org (special needs info site by moms in the know!) has updated some of the very helpful websites on special needs transition to adulthood issues that their organization researched. Thank you to wondermoms.org for sharing!
Making Special Education Work for Your Child During COVID
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/making-special-education-work-for-your-child-during-covid-19-2020102621189
Finding Accessible Housing
www.rent.com/blog/how-to-find-an-accessible-apartment/
Helping Kids in Traumatic Experiences
https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/topics/traumatic-experiences/
What to Look for in Accessible Rentals
https://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/disability-apartments-looks-features/
Simple Home Modifications for Kids with Special Needs
https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/sensory-friendly-home-modifications-autism-sensory-processing-disorder
Tips for Coping with Covid Stress
https://www.apa.org/topics/covid-19/disability-tip-sheet
Special Needs Trusts Guide
https://www.justgreatlawyers.com/legal-guides/special-needs-trusts
A member of Forever Curious (http://forevercurious.org, librarians and educators curating educational resources on the web) recently shared a list of links relating to a range of issues for people with various disabilities.
Helpful link list from forevercurious.org, shared in entirety as submitted:
Gateway
http://www.lowvision.org/introduction_to_the_low_vision_g.htm
Managing Sensory Processing Issues At Home
http://www.airfiltersdelivered.com/sensory-processing-disorder
Cleaner Indoor Air & Chemical Sensitivities
https://www.cleanerindoorair.org/
Home Modifications and Selling Your Home
https://www.homecity.com/home-modifications-and-selling-your-home
Special Needs Safety Around Construction Sites
https://www.bigrentz.com/how-to-guides/keeping-seniors-special-needs-individuals-safe-around-construction-sites
Renters’ Rights for People with Disabilities
http://civilrights.findlaw.com/discrimination/rental-housing-rights-for-disabled-tenants.html
Moving for Seniors and People with Disabilities
https://www.sparefoot.com/self-storage/blog/19898-moving-advice-for-seniors-and-people-with-disabilities/
Guide to Finding Credible Medical Advice
https://online.arbor.edu/blog/guide-finding-credible-medical-information-advice/
Handy info link on efficient packing for long excursion backpackers, thanks to hiking class teacher DS for the share:
https://www.angieslist.com/articles/ultralight-backpacking-keeping-packing-list-short.htm
- How to Teach Students with a Disability in an Inclusive Classroom
- Why is Teacher Diversity Important in Schools?
- Reasons Differentiated Instruction can Make a Difference in a Child's Education
- Preventing Bullying in Schools: Teacher Guide