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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.

Quick links: MyODP ASDNext AidInPA PhillyAP

About Us

ASERT (Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training) is a partnership of medical centers, centers of autism research and services, universities, and other providers involved in the treatment and care of individuals of all ages with autism and their families. ASERT was developed to bring together resources locally, regionally, and statewide.

ASERT Mission

Innovate, collaborate, and lead to improve access to quality services, data, and information; to provide support, training and education in best practices; and to facilitate the connection between individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, and special populations, families and key stakeholders at local, state, and national levels.

Key Initiatives

Support the autism community throughout PA

With a database of information, our Resource Specialists can provide up-to-date and accurate information and resources. ASERT is here to help individuals with autism, families, professionals, and community members learn more about services and resources available and assist them in navigating the service system in Pennsylvania.

When Should I Contact the ASERT Resource Center?

Do Contact ASERT

  • To learn about autism supports and services available in Pennsylvania.
  • For resources on emergency preparedness and mental health.
  • If you live in Pennsylvania or are moving to Pennsylvania and have questions about autism supports and services.
  • For tips and resources on choosing the right provider.
  • For recommendations on where to find grants and other types of funding.
  • To promote autism-related events in Pennsylvania that are free or low-cost to families and/or individuals with autism.
  • To request an autism-realted training.

Don't Contact ASERT

  • To enroll in direct supports and services.
  • During an emergency or mental health crisis. Call 911 (Emergency) or 988 (Mental Health Crisis).
  • If you live outside of Pennsylvania and have questions about autism supports and services in your area.
  • For specific provider recommendations.
  • To directly receive grants and other types of funding from ASERT.
  • To promote fundraisers, high-cost, or out-of-state events.
  • For financial or legal advice.

Educate individuals with autism and their families, professionals, and community members

ASERT provides education and training to professionals, family members, individuals with autism, and more. Featured projects include: Training for Justice Professionals, Transition Resource Training, and numerous eLearning courses hosted on the ASERT website. To schedule a training, please contact info@paautism.org.

Measure data, needs, and change

ASERT determines the scope of work to be completed using data surrounding the needs of Pennsylvanians. The Initial PA Autism Needs Assessment was completed in 2011, and an update is currently underway. Additionally, ASERT completed the PA Autism Census in 2005 to determine the number of individuals with autism in Pennsylvania receiving services, with an updated in 2011 utilizing new data.  ASERT also provides catered data analysis utilizing tools such as Resource Center data, focus groups, training surveys, and more.

Connect local, regional, and statewide resources

ASERT seeks to collaborate with a variety of local, regional and statewide partners to better support individuals with autism in Pennsylvania. Critical collaborators include: The Health Care Quality Units, Behavioral Health Managed Care Organizations, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, PA office of Vocational Rehabilitation, and others.

Build resources, programs, and innovative projects

ASERT develops and disseminates resources based on needs evidenced in the PA Autism Needs Assessment, PA Autism Census, Resource Center data, direction from The Bureau of Autism Services and Office of Developmental Programs, and other key stakeholders. Examples of past projects include: A social skills group curriculum and guides for supporting individuals with autism in psychiatric rehabilitation, resources for justice personnel and emergency room staff, and The Be Safe Campaign which provides resources for professionals, individuals with autism, and their families who have experienced abuse and trauma.

Additional Websites and Resources

In addition to the PAautism.org website, there are three additional websites developed and supported by ASERT to assist individuals with autism and their families. #ASDNext, AID in PA, and the Philadelphia Autism Project are all websites that are supported through ASERT to meet the diverse needs of the neurodiverse communities within Pennsylvania. These websites, along with MyODP.org and the Health Care Quality Units (HCQUs) provide a wealth of information, resources, and educational opportunities. More information can be found below for each of these sites.

ASDNext.org

This website was developed to provide a place for individuals with autism to find information and resources specific to them, as well as help them connect with others in their communities. While PAautism.org provides information and resources more focused on parents and professionals, ASDNext.org is designed specifically for individuals on the spectrum, particularly teens and young adults. The website features a social calendar of community events around the state, blogs by young adults on the spectrum, and a community page where individuals can connect with others.

ASDNext.org Website

AIDinPA.org

AID in PA is home to resources designed to support individuals with autism and or an intellectual or developmental disability, their parents and caregivers, professionals and the communities across Pennsylvania. AID in PA is a collaborative effort between ASERT (Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training), the HCQUs (Health Care Quality Units) across the state, and Temple University’s department of Disability Resources and Services, all operating under Pennsylvania’s ODP (Office of Developmental Programs).

The mission of AID in PA is to leverage the unique specialties of its collaborators to offer a comprehensive resource collection supporting the ID/DD/A communities of Pennsylvania. By addressing topics most relevant to these communities and uniquely designing content for each stakeholder group, AID in PA is the go-to for living a full life with autism and or an intellectual or development disability in Pennsylvania.

AIDinPA.org Website

Philadelphia Autism Project

The Philadelphia Autism Project was established in 2013 by the office of former City Councilmember-at-Large Dennis M. O’Brien and continues to be supported through the office of City Councilmember-at-Large Derek S. Green. The Philadelphia Autism Project works in tandem with ASERT. The website focuses on providing support to autistic individuals and their families living in Philadelphia through:

  • Education: Training and eLearning Courses
  • Connections: A centralized resource hub, calendar of events, and fostering community collaborations
  • Innovation: Seed funding for community organizations, an annual conference, and new programs for people on the spectrum and their families

Philly Autism Project Website

MyODP.org

MyODP.org is the main training and information hub for the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP). On this site you can find a range of information for different stakeholder groups. Some areas covered on MyODP.org include:

  • Everyday Lives information and resources
  • Training opportunities including online courses
  • Resources covering topics such as autism, COVID-19, regulations, LifeCourse materials, behavioral support, and more
  • ODP communications

MyODP.org Website

Health Care Quality Units

The Health Care Quality Units (HCQUs) work to support and improve the health information and knowledge for the intellectual disabilities community service system by building capacity and competency within the physical and behavioral health care systems as well as the stakeholders of the ID system. There are currently eight HCQUs across Pennsylvania.

Health Care Quality Units 

ASERT Interactive Training Map

Over the years, ASERT has provided numerous educational opportunities to professionals, family members, individuals with autism, and more. Organized by county, this interactive map displays the total number of autism-related trainings hosted by our organization. Hover over the county you wish to learn more about, and see in-depth details like the number of trainings or total attendees. Additionally, click the magnifying glass in the top-right corner to discover educational topics by frequency.

Interested in scheduling a training? Please contact info@paautism.org.

ASERT Director and Regional Partners

Director- Andrea Layton, MA
Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey Medical Center 

Regional Manager- Molly Sadowsky, MPH
AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University (Eastern Region)

Regional Manager – Emily Saich, MBA
Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey Medical Center (Central Region)

Regional Manager – Martin Lubetsky, MD
UPMC Western Behavioral Health, Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders (Western Region)

Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations

ASERT is funded at the state level through the Office of Developmental Programs. This partnership allows ASERT to support the mission and values of these state agencies, while also connecting with the larger autism community across the state.

Click the link below for more information about the Office of Developmental Programs.

Office of Developmental Programs