Independence
These resources are designed to help young adults with autism navigate the world as independently as possible.
Search within Independence resources
Cyberbullying
This resource, developed by ASERT for ASDNext, provides information about cyberbullying as well as tips on what to do if you have experienced cyberbullying. Please click on the link below to access this helpful resource.
Read moreDecision Making for the COVID-19 Vaccine
This resource, developed by ASERT in collaboration with Dr. Venkat from Allegheny Health Network and Dr. Migyanka from Indiana University of Pennsylvania provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine to help individuals make informed decisions.
Read moreDefining Trauma
Around the world, about 7 out of every 10 people go through a traumatic experience during their life. Going through trauma in the past increases your chances of having more trauma in the future.
Read moreDental Health Resource Collection
These resources were developed for parents and caregivers to help children with autism prepare for dental visits. Content covers learning to tolerate tooth brushing, establishing dental hygiene routines, and getting ready for dental visits. There are also social stories for getting teeth cleaned, getting x-rays, and getting a cavity filled.
Read moreDental Hygiene Social Stories
This resource contains two social stories describing how to keep your mouth clean and how to brush your teeth.
Read moreDental Surgery and Sedation Social Stories
This resources provides information about what to expect if you are getting dental surgery and how sedation works.
Read moreDepartment of Human Services (DHS)
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’s seven program offices administer services that provide care and support to Pennsylvania's most vulnerable individuals and families.
Read moreDetention Center Social Story, Parts 1 & 2
These social stories were created to describe the various aspects of being in a detention center to individuals with autism.
Read moreDeveloping a Budget
This resource provides information for individuals with autism on the importance of developing a budget and steps to create one for themselves.
Read moreDifficulties and Frustrations
Recently there have been more efforts to support people with disabilities to get mental health treatment. There are some things that can make this treatment more difficult. This resource highlights three of the main challenges in offering treatment to individuals with disabilities.
Read moreDisability Rights Pennsylvania
Disability Rights Pennsylvania (DRP) is an independent, statewide, non-profit corporation designated as the federally-mandated protection and advocacy agency in Pennsylvania.
Read moreDiversionary Programs: Justice System
This resource, developed by ASERT, provides an overview of what diversionary programs are, the goals of such programs, and examples of these programs in the justice system.
Read moreDos and Don’ts of AI
While AI can be a helpful tool, it's important to know both the risks and benefits of it. This resource provides a list of dos and don'ts to follow when using it.
Read moreDrive it Home
Designed by parents of teen drivers, DriveitHOME ™ offers a variety of helpful resources you can use to help your teen get the experience they need behind the wheel to become safer, more experienced drivers.
Read moreDriving and Asperger’s: Balancing Independence and Safety
This video from Asperger/Autism Network reviews current knowledge on driving with Aspergers.
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