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
Mental Health Resource Collection
This is a collection of resources from various sources on the topic of mental health for individuals with autism. Topics range from general mental health resources to anxiety, depression, behavioral concerns, services and assessment, psychopharmacology, and crisis intervention.
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My ODP Training & Resource Center
Supporting Pennsylvanians with developmental disabilities and their families to achieve greater independence, choice, and opportunity in their lives.
Read moreNeurodiversity: Voices and Views in 2022
This resource is a collection of recordings from panel discussions held throughout Autism Acceptance Month in 2022. Panel discussions by self-advocates, family members, and educators discuss a range of topics related to neurodiversity.
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ODP Comprehensive Employment Report
This webpage on MyODP.org focuses on information and resources for the Everyday Lives action step around employment. Resources include the Comprehensive Employment Report, Executive Orders around employment, information sheets on WIOA and more.
Read moreOffice of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) Publications
This website contains a descriptive list of publications that are currently available from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and are designed to assist individuals in better understanding the OVR program and the process of vocational rehabilitation.
Read moreOnline Dating Social Story
This resource developed by ASERT explains different problems and safety concerns you can experience while online dating and how to avoid them.
Read moreOnline Safety Social Story
This resource provides a visual guide for individuals with autism about how to be safe online.
Read moreOnline Scams Social Story
This resource developed by ASERT explains the problems you might come across while online shopping and how to stay safe.
Read morePA Family Network
The PA Family Network was created to support families and the major elements of the Community of Practice goals.
Read morePA Gathering: Health, Wellness, and Well-Being
This resource contains information from the first PA Gathering including a recording of the presentations and discussions, copies of the presentations and additional resources to supplement the topic.
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