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.
Autism in PA
Video series celebrating the range of autistic voices
Autism is unique. Autism will present itself differently in every person diagnosed, and each unique experience is valid and lived by an individual deserving of a voice. ASERT is launching the This is Autism project to elevate the voices of autistic people of all ages, genders, races and experiences across Pennsylvania. Regardless of a person’s level of support needs, regardless of their background, This is Autism wants to provide the platform to celebrate and raise awareness of the range that is autism. No matter what experiences someone has, ASERT wants to hear what This is Autism is for you.
This is Autism will showcase stories of 10 to 15 autistic individuals in short videos (approx. 3-5 minutes). These videos will show the audience who the individual is and what a day in their life is like. Individuals are welcome to include family and support staff, record in their home or at favorite community spot, and talk about their personal experience with autism. The videos and photos will be used as part of the This is Autism project on the ASERT website that will be introduced at ODP’s Pennsylvania Autism Training Conference (PATC) this November.
ASERT welcomes everyone who is interested in having their story or the story of a loved one included in this project to complete the application form by clicking here. There are a limited number of spots available in this project, but ASERT will review all applications thoroughly and respond promptly to all applicants. Applicants who are selected will be compensated for their time and participation in this project.
PA Autism Census and PA Autism Needs Assessment
The ASERT Collaborative has collected information about individuals on the autism spectrum and their families or caregivers in two ways: The PA Autism Census and the PA Autism Needs Assessment. Data was collected in order to help highlight the autism community across Pennsylvania as well as identify areas of need so that targeted services and supports could be developed to help meet those needs.
The PA Autism Census is an administrative census (or a count) of the number of individuals on the autism spectrum receiving services in Pennsylvania.
The PA Autism Needs Assessment is a survey asking individuals on the autism spectrum, their family members and caregivers about the services they need and the services they receive.
