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
Video: Parent Perspective on Telehealth
This video provides information from a parent of two young children about their experiences receiving therapy services through telehealth.
Read moreVideo: Sleep Hygiene
This presentation provides information about sleep hygiene, the importance of sleep, and tips for developing good nighttime sleep habits.
Read moreVideo: Teaching Infection Control
In this video, tips and suggestions are provided on how to teach individuals new skills.
Read moreVideo: Telehealth
This presentation provides an overview of telehealth, and important tips on using telehealth to connect with providers.
Read moreVideo: Wellness and Mindfulness Strategies
In this video, tips and strategies are provided for families/caregivers on wellness and mindfulness techniques.
Read moreVisiting a Retirement Community Social Story
Sometimes when people get older they need extra help and might need to live in a retirement community. This social story prepares an individual for what it might be like to visit such a place.
Read moreVolunteering
This resource developed by ASERT helps individuals figure out what they'd like to volunteer for, where to find volunteering opportunities, and who to volunteer for.
Read moreWashing the Dishes Social Story
This resource developed by ASERT helps individuals learn how to wash the dishes by hand.
Read moreWearing a Mask and Communication
As a result of COVID-19, health care providers have recommended people wear masks as a way to prevent the spread of the disease. Wearing masks can be uncomfortable, and for individuals who have sensory sensitivities, it can be even harder. These resources provide a guide for families and caregivers on how to work with loved ones on getting comfortable wearing a mask, different types of masks based on individual needs, as well as information on communicating while wearing masks for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Read moreWearing 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. The resource is translated into Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, and Burmese. An animated version is also available.
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