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.
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!
Understanding Non-Binary
This resource includes information on non-binary individuals, pronouns, sex and gender, and ways to be supportive of all individuals.
View ResourceThe 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 ResourceSearch within Family Members resources
Autism & Safety (National Autism Association Safety Initiative)
Wandering can occur anywhere at anytime. The first time can often be the worst time. This is a brochure with suggestions for keeping someone with autism who wanders safe.
Read moreAutism and Wandering
This specific resource is a brochure with suggestions for keeping someone with autism who wanders safe. Topics include definitions, how to secure your home, suggestions to prevent wandering, and how to alert people who can help.
Read moreAutism Prevalence
Recent press and media reporting has focused on the increasing autism prevalence in the United States. This resource provides information on the rising prevalence rates for autism, and an explanation of factors that impact prevalence rates.
Read more
Autism Speaks: 100 Day Kit for Young Children
This link will take you to a page where you can download a free toolkit explaining what parents need to begin learning about after their child's diagnosis of autism.
Read moreAutism Takes Flight 2014
An educational video produced by the Autism Society of Pittsburgh in cooperation with Delta Airlines, the Transportation Security Administration, and the Allegheny County Airport Authority which provides tips on how to fly with an individual with autism.
Read moreAutism Videos
These films show how an autism diagnosis can affect an entire family, and how it can be a especially difficult for families who are underserved. These films focus on raising awareness.
Read moreAutism, Sex and Science
A TEDx presentation by Simon Baron-Cohen where he discusses topics related to Autism, sex, and science.
Read moreAvoid Coronavirus Scams
This resource from the Federal Trade Commission provides information on avoiding Coronavirus scams.
Read moreBack to School Tips
Going back to school can be a stressful time for both parents and students. For children with ASD this can be an especially stressful time of year. The following tips may be helpful to families who are transitioning into the new school year.
Read moreBe Safe: General Prevention Resources
These resources, part of the Be Safe resource collection focused on preventing sexual abuse and assault and supporting individuals who may have experienced sexual abuse or assault, contains general information about how to prevent sexual abuse or assault. Topics include identifying and reporting abuse in children, signs of abuse, risk and protective factors, educating about abuse, why abuse isn't always reported and pathways to victimization.
Read more