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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.

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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.

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Be 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.

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Medicaid 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.

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Emergency 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.

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Search within Parents and Caregivers resources

21 & Able

This website provides information on the 21 & Able program offered through the United Way of Southwestern PA to help with transition planning.

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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.

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ABA 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.

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Accompanying 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.

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ACT 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.

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Adaptive 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.

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Adult 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.

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Advocacy Information for Parents and Caregivers

Advocacy information for parents and caregivers of individuals with autism.

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Afterschool Alliance

The Afterschool Alliance is an organization dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of afterschool programs and advocating for more after-school investments to ensure that all children have access to affordable, quality after-school programs.

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Am I Ready to Learn How to Drive?

Learning to drive a car can be both exciting and scary. This #ASDNext guide helps you know if you have the necessary skills required to be a good driver. Ask yourself the questions in each section of this resource to see if you may be ready to start learning how to drive.

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