Independence
These resources are designed to help young adults with autism navigate the world as independently as possible.
Search within Independence resources
How to Be a Good Parent Advocate
All parents naturally want to be good advocates for their children. There are a few steps you can take to help you be more effective.
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How to Create a Coping Zone
This resource developed by ASERT provides tips and tools for parents on how to manage family stress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read moreHow to Create a Social Story
This resource is designed to help justice system professionals create social stories for individuals with autism who may become involved in the juvenile or criminal justice system. Read below to learn more about creating social stories.
Read moreHow To Discuss Puberty with Your Child Who Has Special Needs
Many families are concerned that their child may receive some incorrect information from their peers if they do not teach them important facts first.
Read moreHow to Do Your Laundry Social Story
This social story, developed by ASERT, provides a step-by-step guide for individuals to learn the steps to clean their laundry. This resource is available in a printable PDF or interactive eBook.
Read moreHow to Ease Anxiety for Adults with Autism during a Doctor’s Visit
Adults with autism spectrum disorder face unique challenges to receiving optimal medical care due to a number of factors.
Read moreHow to Get a Reasonable Accommodation on the Job
The ADA requires employers to provide a reasonable accommodation to otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities.
Read moreHow to Join a Group Social Story
This social story developed by ASERT explains how to join a group of people.
Read moreHow to Register to Vote
This resource provides a a step-by step guide for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities on how to register to vote.
Read moreHow to Support Autistic Guests Visiting National Parks
Our National Parks are as diverse and unique as the people who come to visit them. Regardless of which National Park guests are visiting, the goal is to have all guests enjoy the beauty and wonder of the park in a safe, inclusive environment. This resource was created with support and reviewed by individuals on the spectrum.
Read moreHuman Trafficking Resource Collection
This is a collection of resources designed for self-advocates to help explain human trafficking and prevention and intervention strategies against it.
Read moreHuman Trafficking: Resources for Professionals
These resources were designed for supervisors and direct support staff who work with individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities. Topics covered include what human trafficking is, signs of trafficking, what to do if you suspect trafficking, and ways to prevent human trafficking. There is also a guide for supervisors on how to use these materials along with training videos available on LANTERN with their staff.
Read moreHuman Trafficking: What you need to know for self-advocates
These resources were designed for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities to learn about human trafficking. Resources include information on what it is, signs, prevention, and what to do if you suspect human trafficking.
Read moreIdentity, Sexuality, and Interpersonal Relationships
This resource, developed by ASERT, provides information for direct support staff on how to support individuals with autism around the topics of sexuality, gender identity, and interpersonal relationships.
Read moreIf Your Child Has Seizures
This guide, prepared by Johns Hopkins Medicine and Kennedy Krieger Institute, is for the parents, families, and caregivers of newly diagnosed children with epilepsy or a seizure disorder.
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