ASERT Does Not Offer Crisis Services
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!
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 Speaks: 100 Day Kit
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.
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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 moreAvoid Coronavirus Scams
This resource from the Federal Trade Commission provides information on avoiding Coronavirus scams.
Read moreAvonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship for Autism
The Avonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship is open to high-achieving students who meet necessary criteria.
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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.
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Be 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.
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Be Safe: Prevention Resources for Individuals with Autism
These resources, part of the Be Safe Resource collection, provides general information about how to prevent sexual abuse and assault for individuals with autism. These resources are specifically designed for individuals with autism and focus on: what is sexual abuse, how to stay safe, body awareness and body safety, understanding touch and staying safe,
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Be Well, Think Well Resources
This collection of resources provides information for a wide range of individuals on different mental health conditions that individuals with autism may experience, as well as treatment options, and how to support individuals.
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