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.
Site: PAAutism
Going Back Into the Community Social Story
This resource provides a visual guide for individuals with autism about going back out into the community after the COVID-19 pandemic. The resource includes information about how to feel safe going back out and includes an animated version. This resource has also been translated into Spanish, Arabic, Russian, and Chinese.
Read moreGoing Into the Community: Self-Advocates
This resource provides information for self-advocates about going out into the community as the state moves forward from stay at home orders related to COVID-19.
Read moreGoing Shopping During COVID-19
This resource provides a visual guide for individuals with autism about going shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic. An animated version of the social story is also included.
Read moreGoing to a Restaurant Social Story
This social story developed by ASERT explains what to do when you go to a restaurant.
Read moreGoing to Middle School
Starting middle school is stressful for any student, but the process can be even more challenging for a student on the autism spectrum (ASD) and for his or her parents. Many things will be different. The school will probably be larger, the campus more confusing and the enrollment may be several times greater than in elementary school. The student likely will not know his or her new teachers and, in turn, the teachers might not know anything about the student. The aide, if one is needed and provided, may be a stranger. Many of the students will not know their classmate with ASD. Planning for the transition process will ideally begin several months before the actual transition occurs.
Read moreGoing to the Dentist Social Stories
These visual stories provide information about what to expect when going to the dentist. Social stories cover going to the dentist, getting teeth cleaned, getting x-rays, and getting a cavity filled. These stories were developed in collaboration with UPMC Public Health Dental Clinic staff.
Read moreGoing to the Emergency Department – Social Story
This resource gives information about what to expect and why you might need to go to the Emergency Department of a hospital.
Read moreGrants and Funding Streams
Autism can be an expensive condition to support. There are doctor appointments, therapies, respite care, after school programming, assistive technology, and safety concerns, just to name a few. Insurance may not cover all the expenses that are recommended for autism services, resulting in high out-of-pocket expenses. In order to assist in covering expenses, families should research and apply for formal government financial resources as well as more informal sources of support through churches, schools, and service clubs. The ASERT Resource Center is also a great resource for information about new programs and funding sources!
Read moreGrounding: Social Story
This resource provides a visual explanation of Grounding, which is paying attention to the environment to help improve emotions and stay calm.
Read moreHand Washing Social Story
This resource provides a visual guide for individuals with autism on how to wash hands to help stay healthy. This resource has also been translated into Russian, Chinese, Spanish, and Arabic.
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