Parents and Caregivers
Raising a loved one with autism presents some unique challenges for those entrusted with their care. ASERT is here to support, inform, and empower parents and caregivers of individuals on the spectrum.
Check out some of our top resources highlighted below, or search through the hundreds of resources available for parents and caregivers!
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Resource Collection
This collection of resources provides information on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) including: an introduction to ABA, how you can tell if your child is receiving ABA services, what to consider when choosing a provider, information on insurance coverage for ABA services and more.
View ResourceBe Safe Resource Collection
This is a collection of resources from various sources on the topic of safety for individuals with autism. This resource provides information on how to prevent harm and intervention techniques for when safety is compromised.
View ResourceMedicaid Waivers for Individuals with Autism
This page is about Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers in Pennsylvania. HCBS Waivers are a type of Medicaid program that provides long-term services and supports to groups of people who need support to live in their communities.
View ResourceEmergency Preparedness Shelter Toolkits
These trauma-informed sensory positive toolkits were developed in partnership with the PA Department of Human Services for the purpose of informing self-advocates, shelter staff/volunteers, families, caregivers, and Direct Support Professionals (DSP) on how to best support persons with sensory needs, including individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and/or Autism in a disaster shelter setting. These toolkits are available to download, print, and share.
View ResourceSearch within Parents and Caregivers resources
5 Tips for Families to Prepare for Emergency Situations
This resource, adapted from information from the Autism Society, provides helpful tips for families on how to plan and prepare for emergency situations with a loved one who has autism.
Read moreA Family Guide to Inclusive Early Learning in Pennsylvania
This guide is designed to be a quick and easy resource to inclusive early childhood learning programs in Pennsylvania for parents of children with developmental delays or disabilities.
Read moreABA in PA Initiative
This website aims to bring the autism community together and work toward improved access to ABA services for children with autism in Pennsylvania.
Read moreAccompanying an Individual to the Doctor
This resource was created with the goal of providing tips and information that may be useful when accompanying an individual to the doctor.
Read moreACT Testing Accommodations
This website provides information on how to get testing accommodations in place for individuals with autism who are interested in taking the ACT exam in preparation for attending college.
Read moreAdaptive Sports Foundation (ASF)
The Adaptive Sports Foundation (ASF) is a non-profit organization that provides profound and life changing experiences for children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities and chronic illnesses through outdoor physical activity, education, support and community.
Read moreAdministering a Special Needs Trust
A special needs trust can be a very powerful aid in managing care for a family member with a disability. It can provide supplemental items like therapy, respite care, dental work, companions, entertainment, education — all without interfering with the beneficiary’s SSI, Medicaid or other government programs. The special needs trust can be a flexible tool. It can also be very difficult and confusing to administer.
Read moreAdult Autism Programs: AAW & ACAP
Pennsylvania offers two programs for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through the Bureau of Autism Services (BAS): the Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) and the Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP). Both programs are designed for residents of Pennsylvania who are age 21 and older and have a diagnosis of autism. These programs are evidence-based and outcome-driven models which have been designed to assist participants in gaining the greatest level of independence possible, encourage involvement in community life, improve social skills and provide support to caregivers.
Read moreAdvocacy Information for Parents and Caregivers
Advocacy information for parents and caregivers of individuals with autism.
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