Independence
These resources are designed to help young adults with autism navigate the world as independently as possible.
Search within Independence resources
What are suicidal thoughts?: A social story
This resource developed by ASERT provides a visual explanation of what suicidal thoughts are and what to do if someone is having them.
Read moreWhat is a Psychiatrist?
This resource developed by ASERT provides an overview of psychiatry and psychiatrists, answer questions about what they do, what to expect when meeting with a psychiatrist, how to find one, and why a psychiatrist may be needed.
Read moreWhat is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
This site from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gives a range information about autism from definitions, to diagnostic strategies, treatments, and risk factors.
Read moreWhat is Independent Monitoring for Quality (IM4Q) Social Story
This resource developed by ASERT provides a visual guide to help explain the Independent Monitoring for Quality Process (IM4Q). The resource is available in Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Russian, and Burmese.
Read moreWhat is Menstruation?
This resource for individuals with autism explains the process of menstruation and its symptoms, as well as how to manage having your period.
Read moreWhat is Resilience: Social Story
This resource, developed by ASERT, provides a visual explanation of what resilience means.
Read moreWhat is Trauma: Social Story
This resource provides a visual explanation of trauma and the feelings associated with it.
Read moreWhat is Trauma?
Trauma may happen directly to people. An example of direct trauma is someone having an accident. If a person sees something happen to someone else it may cause trauma. An example of this is seeing someone have an accident.
Read moreWhat Teens Need to Know if They are Questioned by the Police
These tips from the PACER Center provide a brief summary of information for parents of children or teens with disabilities at risk for arrest by police at school or in the community.
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What to Consider When Looking for a Qualified ABA Provider
This website, from the Indiana Resource Center for Autism at Indiana University, provides information and resources for parents on what to look for when choosing a qualified Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) provider.
Read moreWhat to Do if You Get Pulled Over
This resource developed by ASERT helps individuals know what to do if they get pulled over by the police.
Read moreWhat to do if your SSI benefits were cut off when you turned 18
When you turn 18, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your case to see if you still meet the requirements to receive SSI. The rules change when you turn 18, and some people lose their benefits.
Read moreWhat to Expect from Free Legal Services
This information sheet from ASERT explains what to expect from free legal services as well as information on law firms and agencies across the state that provide free services.
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What to Know About Bank Accounts
Bank accounts help individuals save money and pay for goods and services. Having and managing a bank account is an important step to becoming more independent. This information sheet provides general tips and information about bank accounts.
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When I’m In The Low Zone: Social Story
This social story provides information about how to recognize when you are feeling down and recommendations about what you can do to feel better.
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