Recursos en Español
Para encontrar recursos de ASERT que han sido traducidos al español, haga clic aquí.
To find ASERT resources that have been translated into Spanish, click here.
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
Getting an MRI Social Story
This resource provides information about what to expect when you get an MRI scan.
Read moreGetting an X-ray Social Story
This resource explains what to expect when you get an X-ray.
Read moreGetting Anesthesia Social Story
This resource provides information on what happens when you get anesthetic during surgery.
Read moreGetting Blood Drawn Social Story
This resource provides information about what to expect when you get a blood draw.
Read moreGetting Medical Assistance for a Child with a Disability Guide
Available publications (in pdf format) concerning Medicaid and Children are listed below. Also included are useful links to sites with content related to this topic.
Read moreGetting Tested for COVID-19 Social Story
This resource, developed by ASERT, provides a visual guide for what to expect if someone needs to be tested for COVID-19. An animated version is also available.
Read moreGetting the COVID-19 Vaccine Social Stories
These social stories provide a visual explanation of what to expect when getting the vaccine for COVID-19 and what you may experience after getting the vaccine. Social stories are provided in both English and Spanish, and have also been developed into videos.
Read moreGoing to Middle School
Starting middle school is stressful for any student, but the process can be even more challenging for a student on the autism spectrum (ASD) and for his or her parents. Many things will be different. The school will probably be larger, the campus more confusing and the enrollment may be several times greater than in elementary school. The student likely will not know his or her new teachers and, in turn, the teachers might not know anything about the student. The aide, if one is needed and provided, may be a stranger. Many of the students will not know their classmate with ASD. Planning for the transition process will ideally begin several months before the actual transition occurs.
Read moreGoing to the Barber Shop Social Story
This resource explains what to expect if you are going to a barber shop for a hair cut or face shave.
Read moreGoing to the Dentist Social Stories
These visual stories provide information about what to expect when going to the dentist. Social stories cover going to the dentist, getting teeth cleaned, getting x-rays, and getting a cavity filled. These stories were developed in collaboration with UPMC Public Health Dental Clinic staff.
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