March 26, 2020: The following is a message to the Fragile X community from NFXF Executive Director Linda Sorensen.
I hope you are well, taking care of yourselves, and finding a way to connect with people you love.
To anyone directly on the front lines of this global health crisis — Thank You. We are so grateful for all that you are doing to help us. And we feel the same gratitude to any of your family members and friends also on the front line for their sacrifice.
The NFXF is here to help during this extraordinary time.
With most of us staying at home now, we’re committed to providing you with the most timely and meaningful educational resources we have available. This includes sharing a series of articles, video series, and webinars such as:
- My Child is Home… Now What?? video Series by Dr. Rebecca Shaffer. This first video is on Keeping a Routine.
- COVID-19 – My child is home from school or work or a day program! What do I do? an article by Jayne Dixon Weber
- Former congressman, Fragile X dad, and NFXF team member Gregg Harper, has contacted key members of Congress urging them to consider the needs of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities while schools are closed in any new funding legislation. This includes increased availability for home-based services and expanding the success of telehealth services during this crisis.
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Coffee Chats for CSN Chapter Leaders with Missy Zolecki.
- The Siblings and Self-Advocates Network is having a weekly Funday Friday virtual meet up.
We will be making more resources available to you as fast as we can to try to make every day a little bit better. Look for five more videos in the series with Dr. Shaffer, the #XStrong coloring and awareness activity for children, social stories for COVID-19, articles, and more.
Regarding the 17th International Fragile X Conference, we are closely monitoring the recommendations of the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other applicable government agencies. The NFXF continues to move forward with the Conference and will make every effort to hold it as planned. If it becomes apparent that doing so may jeopardize public health we may have to consider other options. For the most up to date information visit our conference page.
Please know if it becomes apparent that doing so may jeopardize public health, we are considering other options with the primary goal of providing access to the valuable educational content the conference provides. We will update you as soon as we know more.
I know these uncertain times are very challenging.
I also know that now more than ever, Together, We’re Stronger.
Be well,
Linda
MORE COVID-19 RESOURCES
We’re Here to Help During This Extraordinary Time
LINDA SORENSEN — With most of us staying at home now, we’re committed to providing you with the most timely and meaningful educational resources we have available. This includes sharing a series of articles, video series, and webinars.
My Child is Home… Now What? Keeping a Routine — Webinar
In this webinar, Rebecca Shaffer guides us through the importance of having a routine, including providing predictability and lowering anxiety, and how to create and build your own for you and your child.
Get Moving with Special Olympics’ Fit 5
The Special Olympics is a valuable program for so many families, and the Fit 5 program can help with you and your child's daily living strategies and routines.
COVID-19: My child is home from school or work or a day program! What do I do?
Timely advice from Jayne Dixon Weber for parents and families asking: What am I going to do with the children all day? How do I get supplies in the house? What if someone gets sick? What if I get sick? What about my work? What if things fall apart at home?