Independence
These resources are designed to help young adults with autism navigate the world as independently as possible.
Search within Independence resources
Trauma and Sleep Problems: Social Story
This resource visually explains how trauma can affect sleep.
Read moreTrauma-Informed and Resilience-Informed
This resources provides information about what it means to be "Trauma-Informed" and how that can influence how to interact with individuals in a caring compassionate way.
Read moreTypes of Disasters That Happen in PA
This resource provides an overview of the types of natural and human-caused disasters that can happen in Pennsylvania.
Read moreUnderstanding Anesthesia Social Story
This resource provides information on what to expect when you are going under anesthetic.
Read moreUnderstanding Credit Cards
A credit card is a way to pay for things by borrowing money from a credit card company. It is a way to buy something now but pay for it later.
Read moreUnderstanding Low Self-Esteem in Autistic Individuals (From a Clinician’s Perspective)
This resource explains reasons why individuals with autism commonly have low self-esteem and offers some behavioral and cognitive recommendations to improve self-esteem.
Read moreUnderstanding My Autism Diagnosis
Understanding your autism diagnosis may take some time to process. You can take the time to learn more about autism, find support, and better understand yourself. A diagnosis can validate your lived experiences and open doors to new coping strategies and communities, while also teaching you self-compassion.
Read moreUnderstanding Non-Binary
This resource includes information on non-binary individuals, pronouns, sex and gender, and ways to be supportive of all individuals.
Read moreUnderstanding the “T” in LGBTQIA+: Transgender
This resource provides information on what it means to be transgender and how to support people who are.
Read moreUnited Way 2-1-1 Information and Referral Service
United Way’s 2-1-1 provides FREE and confidential information and referral. 2-1-1 is there to help with basic needs such as food, housing, and health care. It also can help in areas such as employment, psychological health, and more. 2-1-1 is available 24/7 through their phone service and website.
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Unspoken Workplace Norms/Nuances
Workplace norms and nuances, like unspoken rules, cultural behaviors, and communication cues can be difficult to understand. They can change at different workplaces, but this resource was designed by an autistic self-advocate to help you understand some of the ones that can apply to any workplace.
Read moreUpping Your Mask Game: For Self-Advocates
This resource provides information on different types of masks that are more effective at protecting against COVID-19.
Read moreUrinalysis Social Story
This resource developed by ASERT provides a visual explanation of what to expect if you have to give a urine sample as part of being on probation or parole. This resource is part of the larger collection of resources about the Justice System.
Read moreUsing Visual Schedules Social Story
This resource provides a visual guide for individuals with autism about using visual schedules to help plan activities and develop a routine.
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