Independence
These resources are designed to help young adults with autism navigate the world as independently as possible.
Search within Independence resources
Promoting Independent Living While Still in School
There are many aspects of independence for a young person with a disability and family members to consider. Independence can be defined as the ability to decide how a person wants to live, participate, and access community resources as well as the level of supports that a person may need to be successful. As early as 14 years of age, youth and families are encouraged to look at programs available at the school. Such programs include courses, activities at the school, and related services for which the student is entitled.
Read morePublic Transportation Social Stories
This is a collection of social stories that explain how to use different types of public transportation that were created by ASERT.
Read moreRecognizing and Managing a Mental Health Crisis: Direct Support Professionals
Project Reassure Direct Support Professionals. What should you do if a person you support is having a mental health crisis? This article discusses some ways of preventing and dealing with a mental health crisis.
Read moreRecognizing and Managing Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal part of life that keeps us safe and alerts us to danger. Having some anxiety is normal, but too much anxiety can be bad, especially when it becomes overwhelming or interferes with day-to-day living. These information sheets provide suggestions and tips to help people recognize and manage anxiety.
Read moreRegulating Sleep
This article from the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) provides tips on how to regulate sleep in children with autism.
Read moreRelating Personally and Professionally
The work of a direct support professional is very important. However, the professional must keep in mind the importance of balancing things, such as how much assistance you offer versus how much you can foster independence, when working with someone with autism.
Read moreRelationships, Puberty and Sexual Health (2013)
Puberty, relationships, and sexual health are confusing topics to navigate. This resource offers approaches to these topics for youth on the spectrum.
Read moreRelaxation Technique Social Stories
This collection of social stories developed by ASERT provides instructions and visuals on how to use relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, deep breathing, and grounding.
Read moreResidential Treatment Facility – What to Expect Social Story
This social story was created to describe the various aspects of a residential treatment facility to individuals with autism.
Read moreResilience Skills Overview
This resource explains the resilience skills of Tracking, Resourcing, Gesturing, Grounding, Shift and Stay, and Help Now.
Read moreResilient Zone: Social Story
This resource visually explains the concept of the Resilient Zone and managing emotions.
Read moreResources for a Newly Diagnosed Individual
This collection of resources is designed to help families who have a family member who was recently diagnosed with autism.
Read moreResources for Learning About Sexuality
Resources for parents, family members, caregivers, and people with disabilities on the subject of sexuality.
Read more
Resourcing: Social Story
This social story explains the concept of Resourcing to use people, places, things, and ideas to feel better.
Read more