Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health and Safety Guide
ASERT has compiled resources for those with autism and those who care for people with autism relating to the current COVID-19 outbreak.
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.
Characteristics 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
Be 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.
Read moreBe Well, Think Well Resources
This collection of resources provides information for a wide range of individuals on different mental health conditions that individuals with autism may experience, as well as treatment options, and how to support individuals.
Read moreBe Well, Think Well: An Overview of Anxiety
This resource, part of the Be Well, Think Well resource collection, provides information explaining anxiety, signs and symptoms of anxiety, differences between Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Autism, as well as information about what panic attacks could look and feel like for individuals.
Read moreBe Well, Think Well: An Overview of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder includes long periods of depression followed by brief periods of mania. There are two types of bipolar disorder called Bipolar I and Bipolar II. This resource provides basic information about the disorder.
Read moreBe Well, Think Well: Overview of Psychotic Disorders
These resources developed by ASERT provide a general overview of psychotic disorders, including how to diagnose and recognize.
Read moreBe Well, Think Well: Services and Treatment for Anxiety
This resource, part of the Be Well, Think Well resource collection, provides information about managing anxiety, tips on how to face your fears, various types of therapies for anxiety, different relaxation techniques, medication for treating anxiety and depression, and way to find a therapist for an individual with autism.
Read moreBe Well, Think Well: Services and Treatments for Bipolar Disorders
This resource will provide information about the treatments for bipolar disorder.
Read moreBe Well, Think Well: Supporting Individuals with Anxiety and Autism
This resource, part of the Be Well, Think Well resource collection, provides information about supporting individuals with anxiety and autism through panic attacks and various relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, and grounding techniques.
Read moreBe Well, Think Well: Supporting Individuals with Bipolar and Autism
Use this resource to get suggestions on how to support someone with bipolar disorder.
Read moreBehavioral Activation for Depression
This resource, developed by ASERT, provides information about what behavioral activation is and how it can be used to help treat depression.
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