Independence
These resources are designed to help young adults with autism navigate the world as independently as possible.
Search within Independence resources
Sex Education and Puberty
Here are some ideas for talking to your child about puberty, sex, sexuality, and relationships, as well as links to some useful resources. You can also read our top tips for sex education.
Read moreSexual Abuse and Assault: Definitions and Statistics
This resource provides information for self-advocates, parents/caregivers, direct support staff, professionals and the general public on what is sexual abuse and assault, statistics on sexual abuse and assault, ways to reduce risk, and the importance of educating about sexual abuse and assault.
Read moreSexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS)
This website provides information and resources on sex education, healthy relationships, sexual and reproductive health, sexual rights, and more from the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS).
Read moreShelter in Place Social Story
This Social Story Resource provides information about what to expect if you need to shelter in place during a natural disaster.
Read moreShift and Stay: Social Story
This social story helps explain the idea of Shift and Stay, which helps change thoughts to stay in the Resilient Zone.
Read moreShopping for Clothes
Going clothing shopping can be a stressful time for an individual with autism and the rest of the family. This FAQ sheet will give information that may be helpful with understanding some of the difficulties families have during a day of shopping.
Read moreShopping Tips for Adults with Autism
While shopping is a necessary part of life for an adult with autism, it can also cause anxiety. This information sheet provides tips and suggestions for planning your next shopping trip.
Read moreSigns of Autism: A Guide for Child Welfare Professionals
This visual resource was developed by ASERT for child welfare professionals to use as a reference guide when working with individuals with autism.
Read moreSigns of Autism: A Guide for Justice System Professionals
This visual resource was developed by ASERT for justice system professionals to use as a reference guide when working with individuals with autism.
Read moreSigns of Autism: A Guide for Librarians
This visual resource was developed by ASERT for librarians to use as a reference guide when working with individuals with autism.
Read moreSkills to Pay the Bills
A publication that has a number of activities to cultivate career and workforce readiness skills for adolescents and young adults.
Read moreSocial Distancing Social Story
This resource provides a visual guide for individuals with autism about social distancing and why it's important when people are sick. This resource has also been translated into Spanish, Arabic, Russian, and Chinese. An animated version is also available.
Read moreSocial Security for Individuals with Autism
Social Security pays disability payments to people who can't work because they have a medical condition that's expected to last at least one year or result in death. This resource will explain the different types of Social Security available to individuals with autism, how to apply for both children and adults, what to expect in a case review, and more.
Read moreSocial Stories and Guides for Adults
Providing an interactive resource in which parents and professionals, as well as older individuals with high functioning autism spectrum disorders, can find information about writing social stories, examples of social stories, and links to other resources regarding Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Read moreSocial Story: Rules of Juvenile Probation
These social stories were created by ASERT to describe the various aspects and rules of juvenile probation.
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