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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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Social Distancing Social Story

This resource provides a visual guide for individuals with autism about social distancing and why it's important when people are sick. This resource has also been translated into Spanish, Arabic, Russian, and Chinese. An animated version is also available.

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Summer Safety During COVID

This resource provides tips and suggestions on staying safe while enjoying activities during the summer with COVID-19.

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Support Group Map

This resource provides a listing of known support groups across the state. Groups are organized by county, and cover groups for parents/caregivers, individuals, and family members.

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Support Groups in Every Community Panel

This video is the recording of ASERT's Autism Awareness Month Panel: Support Groups in Every Community.

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Supports Coordination Organizations

This resource provides an overview of what Supports Coordination Organizations (SCO's) are, the services they provide and what organizations are available by county across Pennsylvania.

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The Juvenile Justice Process

There are many differences between the Juvenile Justice System and the Adult Criminal Justice System. This document shows the Juvenile Justice Process in PA.

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The Spectrum of Communication

Communication permits us to advocate for our needs, develop relationships, and participate in our community. When supporting someone with Autism, the most important thing to keep in mind at all times is that speech does not equal communication.

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Transition Toolkit

A collection of transition toolkits across the life span, organized by time periods from infant through adulthood. This resource page was designed to allow you to find these toolkits in one place to help make the journey a little easier.

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Video: Coping with Coronavirus

This presentation provides information about managing stressful situations, like COVID-19.

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Video: Finding Gratitude

This video provides information about gratitude, and ways to practice it to improve your well being.

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