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.
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
Volunteering
This resource developed by ASERT helps individuals figure out what they'd like to volunteer for, where to find volunteering opportunities, and who to volunteer for.
Read moreWashing the Dishes Social Story
This resource developed by ASERT helps individuals learn how to wash the dishes by hand.
Read moreWearing a Mask Social Story
This resource provides a visual guide for individuals with autism about wearing a mask to avoid spreading germs. The resource includes why it's important to wear a mask, as well as information about how to safely wear and remove masks. The resource is translated into Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, and Burmese. An animated version is also available.
Read moreWhat is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
This site from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gives a range information about autism from definitions, to diagnostic strategies, treatments, and risk factors.
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What is Independent Monitoring for Quality (IM4Q) Social Story
This resource developed by ASERT provides a visual guide to help explain the Independent Monitoring for Quality Process (IM4Q). The resource is available in Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Russian, and Burmese.
Read moreWhat Parents and Caregivers Can Ask and Do to Help Children Thrive at School
This tool from the US Department of Education provides parents and caregivers with a set of questions to ask and important issues to consider when approaching their child’s teachers, principals, and counselors about his or her development.
Read moreWhat to Consider When Looking for a Qualified ABA Provider
This website, from the Indiana Resource Center for Autism at Indiana University, provides information and resources for parents on what to look for when choosing a qualified Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) provider.
Read moreWhat to Do if You Get Pulled Over
This resource developed by ASERT helps individuals know what to do if they get pulled over by the police.
Read moreWhat to do if your SSI benefits were cut off when you turned 18
When you turn 18, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your case to see if you still meet the requirements to receive SSI. The rules change when you turn 18, and some people lose their benefits.
Read moreWriting Effective Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
This resource explains the importance of measurable annual goals for a student with disabilities and how to create one that aligns with Pennsylvania standards.
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