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
Department 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.
Read moreDiversionary Programs: Justice System
This resource, developed by ASERT, provides an overview of what diversionary programs are, the goals of such programs, and examples of these programs in the justice system.
Read moreEarly 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.
Read moreEarly 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.
Read moreEarly 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 moreEmergency Responder Notification Forms
Many counties throughout Pennsylvania have created a form to notify emergency responders that individuals on the autism spectrum, or with other diagnoses or needs, live at a particular address. It is important for emergency responders to be made aware of who lives in the home, any sensitivities than the autistic individual may have, and the types of behavior the responders may witness so they are better prepared to safely handle a potential emergency situation.
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Estate Planning Special Needs Alliance
Providing the best quality of life requires informed decisions. The best way to provide your special needs child with compassionate care and a comfortable life is to support your legal and financial decisions with reliable information and proven expertise. That’s why America’s finest disability attorneys have combined their talents to create the Special Needs Alliance. As attorneys in the field of Disability and Public Benefits Law, we help to enhance your child’s quality of life. Every member of the alliance has the resources and legal expertise to help you maintain public benefits for your child and develop effective estate plans that protect your assets.
Read moreEvacuating Your Home During a Natural Disaster
This resource is guide for how to safely evacuate your home in case of an emergency.
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