Independence
These resources are designed to help young adults with autism navigate the world as independently as possible.
Search within Independence resources
Going Into the Community: Self-Advocates
This resource provides information for self-advocates about going out into the community as the state moves forward from stay at home orders related to COVID-19.
Read moreGoing to a Restaurant Social Story
This social story developed by ASERT explains what to do when you go to a restaurant.
Read moreGoing to the Barber Shop Social Story
This resource explains what to expect if you are going to a barber shop for a hair cut or face shave.
Read moreGoing to the Dentist Social Stories
These visual stories provide information about what to expect when going to the dentist. Social stories cover going to the dentist, getting teeth cleaned, getting x-rays, and getting a cavity filled. These stories were developed in collaboration with UPMC Public Health Dental Clinic staff.
Read moreGoing to the Doctor Social Story
These social stories were created to describe the various aspects of going to the doctor for individuals with autism.
Read moreGoing 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.
Read moreGot Transition
Got Transition/Center for Health Care Transition is a cooperative agreement between the Maternal and Child Health Bureau and The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health.
Read moreGrief and Loss Resource Collection
This collection of resources provides information on grief and loss and how to support someone support someone with autism who is grieving.
Read moreGuest Speaker Topics for Autism Support Groups (Ages 17+)
This resource developed by ASERT gives examples of topics for guest speakers to talk about at autism support groups with members that are 17 and older.
Read moreGuidance Concerning Air Travelers with Developmental Disabilities
This document is a guide to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) with respect to passengers with developmental disabilities. It serves as a brief but authoritative source of information for passengers with developmental disabilities as well as airlines about the services, facilities, and accommodations required by the ACAA and the provisions of Part 382.
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Guide to Emergency Information Collection in PA
People with autism may get scared or confused in an emergency. It can help first responders to know about a person with autism when they are responding to an emergency in the home so that they may help them. Some counties in PA collect information about which households have people with special health needs. If there is an emergency, the county will share this information with first responders. Each county is different, please contact your county’s Office of Emergency Management to learn about your county. You can additionally reach out to your local police department to ensure they are aware.
Read moreGuide to Exploring Feeding Behavior in Autism
This tool kit from the Autism Treatment Network (ATN) helps parents and professionals better understand feeding issues common to individuals with autism.
Read moreHand Washing Social Story
This resource provides a visual guide for individuals with autism on how to wash hands to help stay healthy. This resource has also been translated into Russian, Chinese, Spanish, and Arabic.
Read moreHealth Care for Adults with Disabilities
This resources talks about tips for primary care physicians & nurses when working with individuals with disabilities in a health care setting.
Read moreHealth Care for Immigrants (PHLP)
U.S. born citizens, naturalized citizens, legal permanent residents (LPR), and numerous other “qualified” immigrant statuses are all eligible for full Medical Assistance.
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