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
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 moreCoronavirus (COVID-19) Health and Safety Guide
This resource provides a general overview of the coronavirus, as well as a wide range of resources for individuals, parents/caregivers, and professionals on how to stay healthy, how to manage disruptions in daily life and resources for learning more.
Read moreCoronavirus Social Story
This resource provides a visual guide for individuals with autism about the coronavirus and how to stay healthy. This resource is also available in Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Arabic.
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 moreDiscussing Concerns with Family Members
It is natural to be unsure of how to share your concerns with family members.
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Early Childhood Learning Centers and the ADA
This resource helps with understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act, or the ADA, in terms of Early Childhood Learning Centers.
Read moreEarly Childhood Screening and Diagnosis
This resource, developed by ASERT, provides information on the process of screening and diagnosing an individual with autism.
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Early Indicators of Autism Spectrum Disorder
The earliest symptoms of ASD can emerge between 6 – 18 months of age, with reliable diagnosis possible by 24 months. These symptoms are developmental “red flags” and do not necessarily mean your child has ASD but you may want to contact your child’s doctor if you notice these symptoms in your child.
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Early Intervention in Philadelphia
Early Intervention (EI) is a free service and support for families who have a child or children 0 - 5 years old with developmental delays. Services can take place at home, preschool, day care or Elwyn site. These programs are funded by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning. Services are only available for those who qualify.
Read moreElements of a Well-Rounded Evaluation
This resource from The PEAL Center gives information on the elements that a well-rounded initial evaluation should include. Elements include an intelligence assessment, academic achievement assessment, parent input, student input, teacher input, and formal observation.
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