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.
Community Members
In 2018, the CDC determined that approximately 1 in 59 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As part of the broad Pennsylvania community, individuals with autism live and work among us, making these resources for the community a valuable and necessary asset.
Emergency Preparedness Shelter Toolkits
These trauma-informed sensory positive toolkits were developed in partnership with the PA Department of Human Services for the purpose of informing self-advocates, shelter staff/volunteers, families, caregivers, and Direct Support Professionals (DSP) on how to best support persons with sensory needs, including individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and/or Autism in a disaster shelter setting. These toolkits are available to download, print, and share.
View ResourceCharacteristics of Autism
This resource, designed for direct support staff, provides a basic introduction to the different characteristics of autism.
View ResourceAutism Society of America
The Autism Society of America (ASA) provides advocacy, education, information, referral, support and community at national, state and local levels through their nationwide network of Affiliates. Their website includes information on autism for individuals, parents, professionals and community members.
View ResourceAutism Speaks
Autism Speaks funds global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; raises public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and brings hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder.
View ResourceSearch within Community Members resources
A Teen’s Guide to Autism
This video from the Center for Parent Information and Resources, is to help teens be more aware and understanding of individuals with autism.
Read moreApplied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for Parents
This resource developed by ASERT helps caregivers learn about Applied Behavior Analysis, how to access it, and who can provide it to individuals with autism.
Read moreASSIST: Autism Sensory Strategies, Information, and Toolkit
This guide explains sensory features and how to support individuals on the autism spectrum who have a negative experience related to sensory features.
Read moreAutism Cares Foundation: Scholarships for High School and College Students
Autism Cares Foundation Scholarship Program is for high school and college students continuing their education, who have demonstrated through their actions that they have assisted an individual having autism.
Read moreAutism Prevalence
Recent press and media reporting has focused on the increasing autism prevalence in the United States. This resource provides information on the rising prevalence rates for autism, and an explanation of factors that impact prevalence rates.
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Autism Videos
These films show how an autism diagnosis can affect an entire family, and how it can be a especially difficult for families who are underserved. These films focus on raising awareness.
Read moreAvoid Coronavirus Scams
This resource from the Federal Trade Commission provides information on avoiding Coronavirus scams.
Read moreBe Safe: General Prevention Resources
These resources, part of the Be Safe resource collection focused on preventing sexual abuse and assault and supporting individuals who may have experienced sexual abuse or assault, contains general information about how to prevent sexual abuse or assault. Topics include identifying and reporting abuse in children, signs of abuse, risk and protective factors, educating about abuse, why abuse isn't always reported and pathways to victimization.
Read moreBe Safe: Prevention Resources for Individuals with Autism
These resources, part of the Be Safe Resource collection, provides general information about how to prevent sexual abuse and assault for individuals with autism. These resources are specifically designed for individuals with autism and focus on: what is sexual abuse, how to stay safe, body awareness and body safety, understanding touch and staying safe,
Read moreBe Well Think Well: Mental Health in Emergency Situations
This resource, part of the Be Well, Think Well resource collection, provides information about helping a first responders manage a crisis with individuals with autism and serious mental illness, identify reasons individuals may be anxious in an emergency and how to help reduce that anxiety, and examples of concrete language that first responders can use when interacting with individuals in an emergency situation.
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