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.
PAARCC Pro Tips
What Are Pro Tips and Who Created Them?
PAARCC, the Pittsburgh Adult Autism Research Community Collaborative, is a group of eight autistic adults and allies that works with University of Pittsburgh researchers to help make research more meaningful and responsive to the autistic community. Through lived experience and collaboration, members help shape research ideas, provide feedback and accountability, and identify gaps in the resources available to autistic adults. Through Pro Tips, PAARCC also shares practical experiences and tips for navigating everyday life with autism.
Pro Tips
Safety Kits
This guide explains how to make a small kit of things that can help when you leave home. Tips include packing sensory tools, comfort or stim items, medications, ID and emergency information, food or water, weather supplies, and something to do while waiting. Keeping basic items packed ahead of time, organizing them in smaller bags, and using a checklist can make it easier to get ready and adjust the kit for different trips.
Transportation
This guide gives tips for making travel easier and more predictable, whether you are taking a bus, using a rideshare, driving, or flying. General tips include learning your route and what to expect ahead of time, leaving extra time, preparing for sensory needs, and having a backup plan if something changes. It also explains practical steps such as knowing where bus stops are, checking rideshare driver information, planning parking before driving, and checking baggage, airport, and security rules before flying.
Food & Cooking
This guide gives ideas for making food storage, meal choices, and cooking easier. Tips include keeping food where you can see it, storing things in predictable places, keeping lists of foods and familiar recipes, and changing recipes to fit your tastes or sensory needs. Simple appliances, prepared ingredients, and keeping favorite nonperishable foods stocked can also make eating easier when cooking feels difficult.
Grocery Store
This guide gives tips for making grocery shopping less overwhelming and easier to plan. It suggests making a list, choosing a familiar route through the store, identifying places where you can take a break, shopping at quieter times, and using headphones, earplugs, or other sensory tools. It also discusses alternatives such as curbside pickup or delivery and gives ideas for handling unexpected changes, crowded aisles, or uncomfortable interactions with other people.
Medical Appointments
This guide gives tips for preparing for medical appointments, communicating during them, and keeping track of what happens afterward. It recommends writing down your main concerns and questions, preparing medical and insurance information, using scripts or notes when helpful, bringing sensory supports, and asking for explanations when something is unclear. It also includes templates for scheduling calls, medical information, appointment notes, and keeping track of tests, medication changes, and next steps.
Overload
This guide explains overload and how sensory input, social situations, emotions, physical needs, and everyday tasks can all add to the amount your brain has to process. Tips for preventing overload include reducing unnecessary sensory or social demands, paying attention to things like hunger, pain, tiredness, or changes in routine, and using accommodations when needed. When overload does happen, taking a break, going somewhere quieter, moving your body, stimming, or using comforting and predictable sensory input may help.
Social Boundaries: Friends & Family
This guide gives tips for setting and keeping boundaries during time with friends and family. It suggests deciding ahead of time which topics, activities, sensory situations, or time limits you are comfortable with and planning what you will do if you become overwhelmed. Tips include communicating needs clearly, bringing sensory or comfort items, having somewhere to take a break, saying no when needed, and using simple prepared responses when someone pushes or ignores a boundary.
This resource created by Pittsburgh Adult Autism Research Community Collaborative