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.
Emergency Room Resource Collection
Self-Advocates
Going 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.
View ResourceIn the Emergency Room – Social Story
This resource offers information about what to expect when staying in an emergency room. Things that you can ask for and things that are expected of you.
View ResourceWhen to Go to the Emergency Department and What to Expect
This resource is for parents/caregivers and self-advocates to provide information about when to go to the Emergency Department and what to expect when you get there.
View ResourceEducating the Emergency Department
This resource was developed for parents/caregivers and self-advocates on educating your local emergency department about being on the spectrum.
View ResourceCalling 911
This resources for parents/caregivers and self-advocates provides information about what to expect when you call 911.
View ResourceAll About Me Form: Adult
This is a form to be filled in with important information - including name, communication preferences, likes, dislikes and important contacts' information - about an adult self-advocate. This can be a useful tool for efficiently and effectively providing an individual with support.
View ResourceParents/Caregivers
When to Go to the Emergency Department and What to Expect
This resource is for parents/caregivers and self-advocates to provide information about when to go to the Emergency Department and what to expect when you get there.
View ResourceCalling 911
This resources for parents/caregivers and self-advocates provides information about what to expect when you call 911.
View ResourceEducating the Emergency Department
This resource was developed for parents/caregivers and self-advocates on educating your local emergency department about being on the spectrum.
View ResourceAll About Me Form: Child
This is a form to be filled in with important information - including name, communication preferences, likes, dislikes and important contacts' information - about a child with autism or an intellectual disability. This can be a useful tool for efficiently and effectively providing an individual with support.
View ResourceProfessionals
Reasons Individuals Seek Emergency Care
This resource was developed for healthcare professionals in order to provide them with information about some of the common reasons individuals with autism may seek emergency care.
View ResourceUnderstanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: For Emergency Personnel
This resource was developed for emergency medical personnel to better understand individuals with autism and the additional supports they may need in emergency medical situations.
View ResourceBe Well Think Well: Mental Health in Emergency Situations
This resource, part of the Be Well, Think Well resource collection, provides information about helping a first responders manage a crisis with individuals with autism and serious mental illness, identify reasons individuals may be anxious in an emergency and how to help reduce that anxiety, and examples of concrete language that first responders can use when interacting with individuals in an emergency situation.
View ResourceThis information was developed by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT). For more information, please contact ASERT at 877-231-4244 or info@PAautism.org. ASERT is funded by the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services.