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SPARK Responds to COVID-19

Dr. Wendy Chung

Date Revised: March 17, 2021

The COVID-19 crisis continues to be hard on many families and communities with the virus now widespread across the country.  While these are difficult times, there is now hope of a vaccine in the near future. With widespread use of the vaccine we can beat this virus and get our schools and communities back to normal. I hope you will consider getting the vaccine when it is available. Throughout this time our community has been creative and adopted new ways to connect with therapists, teachers, friends, and family. Thankfully, children have been resilient to SARS-CoV-2 infection and have largely been spared from severe infections.  However, older members of our community have not been so lucky.  Social distancing, washing your hands, and wearing a mask are effective ways to stay safe.

Many thanks to those of you who continue to answer our COVID-19 surveys.  We have learned a lot about how COVID-19 has affected our community. We are preparing a summary of the results for the community now.

Be well, please wear a mask, wash your hands, stay 6 feet apart, and pitch in for SPARK and your community.

Wendy K. Chung, M.D., Ph.D.
Principal Investigator, SPARK

Please note: If you have questions about SPARK and COVID-19, please view SPARK and COVID-19: Participant Q&A.

View results from SPARK’s COVID-19 surveys:

Emergency Information

For Mental Health Emergencies

If you have concerns that someone at home is depressed or thinking about hurting themselves, help them call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or use the Lifeline Chat.

If you have concerns that someone is at immediate risk of harming themselves or others, call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room.

For Medical Emergencies

If you are experiencing a COVID-19 or other medical emergency, visit the CDC’s What to Do if You are Sick guidelines.

Suggested Resources

View SPARK’s list of COVID-19-related resources for the autism community.