Backyard Camping
A video, featuring Julia from Sesame Street, modeling the strategy of handling fear by drawing what you’re afraid of.
Watch the video together with children, and (if children are verbal) talk together about what helps them when they are scared or anxious. Next time they’re feeling that way, help them “draw it out” (or try another strategy that might help, such as deep belly breaths). This activity is great for managing emotions among children who are and are not autistic.
Created by Exceptional Minds, a nonprofit academy and post-production studio for people with autism.
Written By
Jacob Lenard, David Miles, Adam Schuering, Ryan Oldis
with Howie Hoffman, Creative Director
Directed / Produced By
Jacob Lenard and David Miles
with Howie Hoffman and Scott Sackett, Supervising Directors, and Jon Clark, Supervising Producer.
Animation & Design
Carter Capps
Jacob Lenard
Tristan Maillet
David Miles
Adam Schuering
Stephen Storti
Andrew Turney
with additional animation and design contributions from Michael Cicerelli, Craig Hills, and
Dylan Carbonell and Michael Shiu.
Music Scored at Spectrum Laboratory
Chris Acevedo – Bass
Maya Danovitch – Vibraphone, Cymbals, Clarinet, Harp
Max McGinley – Acoustic Guitar
Spencer Griffin – Electric Guitar, Vibraphone and Flute
Atticus Jackson – Percussion arrangement
Lucas Salusky – Sound Effects
with Garth Herberg – Composer, Piano/Drums Arranger
Safe & Together
When families have to leave home in order to stay safe, it helps to remember that home is where the love is.
Bubble Time
A quiet activity such as blowing bubbles can help both children and adults breathe deeply, slow down… and calm down.
Crayon Power
Coloring together can soothe both children and grown-ups.
See You Later Alligator
A special, loving good-bye routine can make separations easier.
Friendship Bracelets
When it’s hard to be apart from those we love, the littlest things can become big reminders that someone loves us and is thinking of us.
Cloud Watching
Spending time outside can feel like a “reset” on the day.
Pillow Hugs
Hugging a pillow covered with an item of a loved one’s clothing can help comfort children when they’re missing them.
