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
Completing an Independent Monitoring for Quality (IM4Q) Interview In-Person Social Story
This resource developed by ASERT explains what happens during an IM4Q interview conducted in-person. This resource has been translated into Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, and Burmese.
Read moreComputer Viruses Social Story
This resource developed by ASERT teaches what computer viruses, adware, and malware are, and how to protect yourself from getting them.
Read moreCoping with Coronavirus
These resources provide some tips and suggestions for individuals and families to deal with some of the new situations brought about by COVID-19, like social distancing, isolation and planning for care.
Read moreCoronavirus (COVID-19) Health and Safety Guide
This resource provides a general overview of the coronavirus, as well as a wide range of resources for individuals, parents/caregivers, and professionals on how to stay healthy and manage the ongoing pandemic.
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Coronavirus Social Story
This resource provides a visual guide for individuals with autism about the coronavirus and how to stay healthy. This resource is also available in Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Arabic.
Read moreCOVID Booster Shots, Masks and Testing Social Story
This social story developed by ASERT explains how the research and rules around COVID, shots, and masks have and will continue to change.
Read moreDepartment of Human Services (DHS)
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’s seven program offices administer services that provide care and support to Pennsylvania's most vulnerable individuals and families.
Read moreDiversionary Programs: Justice System
This resource, developed by ASERT, provides an overview of what diversionary programs are, the goals of such programs, and examples of these programs in the justice system.
Read moreEmergency 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.
Read moreEmployment Information for Employers
Below is information on employment that we hope potential employers will find useful when interacting with their employees!
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