Crisis Services
ASERT does not offer crisis services through our Resource Center. If you or someone you love is experiencing mental health distress or thoughts of suicide please call or text 988 for support.
2023 Call for Personal Stories: PA Autism Training Conference
2023 Call for Personal Stories: PA Autism Training Conference
Do you have a story to tell? Share it at the 2023 PA Autism Training Conference (PATC)! We’re looking for both written and video stories from autistic individuals to showcase at the statewide conference, held virtually November 7-9, 2023.
- Objective: It’s important to feature the experiences and voices of autistic individuals! Tell us your story, in your own words, about your journey with ASD. Stories will be displayed virtually during the conference and beyond.
- Age Requirement: 14 and older.
- Submissions: Email your story to info@paautism.org with the subject “PATC Personal Stories.” Include your name, mailing address, email address, and phone number. You may use your real name or a pseudonym. We strongly encourage you to use your real name to help reduce the stigma associated with mental health.
- Past Examples: Visit MyODP to view examples from last year’s conference.
- Honorarium: If your story is accepted, you will receive a $100 honorarium via check after the conference.
- Questions: For any questions, please email info@paautism.org.
- Please Note: The PATC team has the right to make minor edits to submissions. However, you will be able to review and provide final approval. A limited number of stories will be accepted, so apply soon!
Story Options
- Written Essay: 250 to 1,500 words. You also have the option to turn your essay into an Animated Video. If interested in an animated video, please note this when submitting your essay.
- Video Story: 1 to 5-minute recording.
- Video Interview: If you would like to be interviewed on camera by a member of the PATC team, email info@paautism.org.
Story Topics
You’re welcome to focus on any topic, however, if you’re looking for inspiration that aligns with our conference themes, check out these topics:
- Social Justice
- Autism and Aging
- The Mental Health System
- Ablism
- Autism and the Criminal Justice System
- ASD/IDD Program Overlaps