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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.

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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.

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Characteristics of Autism

This resource, designed for direct support staff, provides a basic introduction to the different characteristics of autism.

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Autism 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.

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Autism 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.

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Phases of Reopening

This resource provides information on how restaurants and retail stores will be reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also includes information on what stores and businesses may only open during the green phase.

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Physical Health Resource Collection

This is a bundle of resources from a variety of sources that provide information on general physical health information as well as specific conditions individuals with autism may have.

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Premise History Form for Emergencies Social Story

This social story explains how filling out a premise history form can be helpful in emergency situations.

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Public Comment Period

This short video provides an explanation of what public comment periods are, and how to get involved.

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Romantic Scams Social Story

This resource developed by ASERT warns of romance scammers and gives safety tips.

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S.A.F.E.R

Many individuals living with autism have difficulties processing information, processing sensory input, communicating effectively, and responding in socially appropriate ways. Here are some ways to help alleviate those difficulties so that you, the offender, and the community will be S.A.F.E.R.!

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Scheduling an Independent Monitoring for Quality (IM4Q) Interview Social Story

This ASERT-developed social story is about scheduling an IM4Q interview and what kinds of things to expect. This resource has been translated into Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, and Burmese.

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Secondary Transition

The transition service requirements of IDEA 2004 recognize that education can improve the post-school outcomes of students with disabilities by doing a better job of preparing students and their families for the complexities of the adult world.

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Sexual Abuse and Assault: Definitions and Statistics

This resource provides information for self-advocates, parents/caregivers, direct support staff, professionals and the general public on what is sexual abuse and assault, statistics on sexual abuse and assault, ways to reduce risk, and the importance of educating about sexual abuse and assault.

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Signs of Autism: A Guide for Librarians

This visual resource was developed by ASERT for librarians to use as a reference guide when working with individuals with autism.

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