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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

Autism & Safety (National Autism Association Safety Initiative)

Wandering can occur anywhere at anytime. The first time can often be the worst time. This is a brochure with suggestions for keeping someone with autism who wanders safe.

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Autism and Wandering

This specific resource is a brochure with suggestions for keeping someone with autism who wanders safe. Topics include definitions, how to secure your home, suggestions to prevent wandering, and how to alert people who can help.

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Autism Awareness, Community Education and Support (AACES)

Autism Awareness, Community Education and Support (AACES) is a group of programs designed to increase independence and decrease isolation among young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This brochure provides information on the different programs available to individuals living in Bucks and Montgomery Counties.

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Autism ID Card Social Story

This resource explains what an Autism ID card is and why it may be useful.

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Autism Identification Cards

This resource explains what Autism Identification cards are and how generate one yourself. It also contains links to the Pennsylvania State Police Safety Resource Pages.

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Autism Navigator

Autism Navigator is a unique collection of web-based tools and courses that uses extensive video footage to bridge the gap between science and community practice.

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Autism Now: Employment Resources

This website focuses on job-related subjects such as employment research and reports, supported employment, transition planning for job opportunities, vocational rehabilitation, and more.

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Autism Prevalence

Recent press and media reporting has focused on the increasing autism prevalence in the United States. This resource provides information on the rising prevalence rates for autism, and an explanation of factors that impact prevalence rates.

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Autism Relationships

This section of the Autism Connection of Pennsylvania website is a series of videos designed to help individuals with autism learn how to develop lasting relationships.

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Autism Safety Tips in a Healthcare Setting

As the number of Pennsylvanians diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continues to grow, healthcare facilities are seeing an increase in the number of these individuals seeking care. Negative interactions with the healthcare system and concerns about the quality of care provided to this population have been reported by individuals with ASD, their families and healthcare providers. The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority received 138 event reports involving patients with ASD from July 2004 through August 2014. Thirteen of the events were Serious Events and caused harm to the patient. Analysis of event report narratives revealed 12 patient safety concern themes involving patients with ASD. Know what you can do as an ASD patient or family member to improve care while using the healthcare system.

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