Independence
These resources are designed to help young adults with autism navigate the world as independently as possible.
Search within Independence resources
Everyday Lives
People with disabilities have a right to an everyday life; a life that is no different than that of all other citizens. This continues to be the truest statement on which we can build our work.
Read moreEveryone Votes PA
Under the leadership of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Department of State promotes the integrity of the electoral process, provides the initial infrastructure for economic development through corporate organizations and transactions, and protects the health and safety of the public.
Read moreEvidence-Based Practices
This resource provides information about evidence-based practices, what it means, how they're determined and a list of established treatments from the National Standards Project.
Read moreExpression of Trauma: Survival Circuit and PTSD
Project Reassure Direct Support Professionals. Trauma changes the way brain cells connect to each other. In post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the survival circuit becomes overreactive and sensitive to anything that might seem like a threat.
Read moreExpressions of Trauma: Survival Circuit
Project Reassure Direct Support Professionals. The survival circuit describes how the brain and body respond to threats. The survival circuit is a normal and natural part of being human. The survival circuit helps us to handle any threats that could threaten our safety.
Read moreExpressions of Trauma: The Four F’s
Project Reassure Direct Support Professionals. When your brain detects a threat, your body will react to survive. It does not matter if the threat is real or not. There are four common ways people will react to threats:
Read moreExtended School Year Services
This guide contains a comprehensive compilation of documents that will provide direction, respond to questions, and guide parents and local education agencies in making determinations about ESY services.
Read moreFacts on Constipation
This fact sheet from Milestone HCQU Northwest, provides information on the causes of constipation, prevention and treatment strategies, and medication used for treatment of constipation.
Read moreFinancial Capability of Adults with Disabilities
On Monday, December 11, 2017, National Disability Institute (NDI) released a report titled Financial Capability of Adults with Disabilities: Findings from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation National Financial Capability Study. NDI’s analysis of data from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation’s National Financial Capability Study provides compelling evidence pointing to the need for solutions that advance financial stability and capability for people with disabilities.
Read moreFind My Ride PA Website
This is a website that was developed by the PA Dept. of Transportation and is being piloted currently. Its purpose is to help individuals plan for their transportation needs in an easier, more user friendly way.
Read moreFinding and Choosing a Therapist Information Sheet
This information sheet from ASERT provides suggestions on how to find a therapist and other service providers as well as important questions to ask to ensure the provider will be the best one for your child.
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Finding Resources
Supporting an individual with autism to find resources within his or her neighborhood, town, county or broader metropolitan region provides a unique opportunity for you to teach fundamental skills in community living. One method of teaching these skills is to involve the person you support in researching, contacting, and connecting with local and regional resources. By scaffolding network building in gradual steps that consider the individual’s needs and learning process, you can empower him or her to play a more active role in shaping his community involvement. Below is a helpful planning tool to get you started. Try to complete as many steps as possible with the person you support.
Read moreFire Safety Resource Collection
Fire safety is important for all individuals, especially those with autism. This resource page was created to provide a central location for fire safety resources including fire safety plans, fire safety education, and how to prepare and stay safe during a fire.
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Fire Safety: How to Stay Safe – Social Story
This social story was created by ASERT to describe the elements of fire safety for individuals with autism.
Read moreForensic Interviewing for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
This resource provides helpful tips and information for justice professionals on how to conduct a forensic interview for individuals on the autism spectrum.
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