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 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.
Read moreGoing to the Emergency Department – Social Story
This resource gives information about what to expect and why you might need to go to the Emergency Department of a hospital.
Read moreGot Transition
Got Transition/Center for Health Care Transition is a cooperative agreement between the Maternal and Child Health Bureau and The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health.
Read moreGrants and Funding Streams
Autism can be an expensive condition to support. There are doctor appointments, therapies, respite care, after school programming, assistive technology, and safety concerns, just to name a few. Insurance may not cover all the expenses that are recommended for autism services, resulting in high out-of-pocket expenses. In order to assist in covering expenses, families should research and apply for formal government financial resources as well as more informal sources of support through churches, schools, and service clubs. The ASERT Resource Center is also a great resource for information about new programs and funding sources!
Read moreGrief and Loss Resource Collection
This collection of resources provides information on grief and loss and how to support someone support someone with autism who is grieving.
Read moreGuardianship & Legal Resources
This resource is a collection of information about guardianship and things to consider when determining the type of guardianship to pursue, the warning signs of abuse of power of attorney or guardianship, Supported Decision Making and how it can be used, and definitions of common legal terms you may encounter when discussing legal guardianship, power of attorney, or other legal proceedings.
Read moreGuardianship in PA
These guides may provide useful general information to help you in advocating for yourself or someone else with a disability. These guides are not a substitute for individualized, fact-specific legal advice. These guides may also be helpful for providers of services to people with disabilities.
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