Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health and Safety Guide
ASERT has put together some resources for those with autism and those who care for people with autism relating to the current Coronavirus outbreak.
Family Members
Whether it’s a sibling, grandparent, cousin, aunt, uncle or parent, it can be difficult to know how to properly support your family member on the spectrum. ASERT’s broad database of autism resources includes a variety of information helpful for family members.
Check out some of our top resources highlighted below, or search through the hundreds of resources available for family members!
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.
View ResourcePA Family Network
The PA Family Network was created to support families and the major elements of the Community of Practice goals.
View ResourcePennsylvania Family Support Alliance (PFSA)
Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance provides education, support, and training programs to make Pennsylvania safe for children.
View ResourceSearch within Family Members resources
The Impact of Autism on Siblings
This presentation by Michael J. Murray, MD, Director, Division of Autism Services, Penn State College of Medicine, describes how siblings may be affected by autism.
Read moreThe 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 Transition Process from Early Intervention to School-Age Programs
This resource provides information on Preschool Early Intervention services, multi-disciplinary evaluations, and provider agencies for ongoing Preschool Early Intervention services.
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Tips for a Hotel Stay
Staying away from home can be a stressful situation for an individual with autism. The following tips may help reduce anxiety about staying in an unfamiliar place and make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
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Tips For Food Selectivity
People with autism often have difficulty with food. Some individuals may have limited foods they like, have ritualistic eating behaviors or have sensory issues. If your child has difficulty with food selectivity, here are some tips to help.
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Tips to Increase Social Engagement
This resource, developed by ASERT, provides tips and suggestions for families and caregivers on how to potentially increase social engagement in an individual with autism.
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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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Wearing a Mask Social Story
This resource provides a visual guide for individuals with autism about wearing a mask to avoid spreading germs. The resource includes why it's important to wear a mask, as well as information about how to safely wear and remove masks.
Read moreWhat Autism in Toddlers Looks Like
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Centers for Disease Control, National Institutes of Health, autism advocacy groups, and researchers have all drawn attention to the importance of the early detection of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to make access to early intervention possible. Learn how to identify the early signs of autism in the below video, created by Kennedy Krieger in partnership with the Maryland Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
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