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
Autism 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 moreAvonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship for Autism
The Avonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship is open to high-achieving students who meet necessary criteria.
Read more
Back 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 more
Be Safe: Finding and Understanding Treatment for Sexual Assault or Abuse
This resource, part of the Be Safe resource collection, provides information for parents or caregivers on finding a therapist that is a good fit for your child and knowing what to expect from treatment.
Read moreBe Safe: What is Grooming?
This resource, part of the Be Safe resource collection, provides information for caregivers on what is grooming behavior in relation to sexual abuse.
Read moreBehavioral Health Rehabilitation Services
Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services (BHRS) are also called “wraparound” services. These services are individualized mental health services provided in the home, school, or community. The services are provided by trained staff working one‐on‐one with your child to help with emotional or behavioral problems such as anger management or getting along with other children. The BHRS staff also teaches children, their parents, and others new ways of dealing with problem behaviors.
Read moreBooklet: A Family’s Introduction to Early Intervention in Pennsylvania
This booklet from PaTTAN explains how to request Early Intervention services, eligibility criteria, rights and responsibilities, individualized family service planning for ages birth to three, and individualized education planning for ages three to school age.
Read more
Common Abbreviations in Autism Services and Special Education
This resource, developed by ASERT, provides a guide to common abbreviations you may come across when receiving autism services and supports.
Read moreDepartment of Labor
The FMLA entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for their own health or to care for a family member, including to care for the employee’s spouse, child, or parent who has a serious health condition.
Read more