Social
This collection of resources offers guidance on the social skills young adults with autism need to have in order to connect with friends, family, coworkers and partners.
Search within Social resources
Finding Resources
Supporting an individual with autism to find resources within his or her neighborhood, town, county or broader metropolitan region provides a unique opportunity for you to teach fundamental skills in community living. One method of teaching these skills is to involve the person you support in researching, contacting, and connecting with local and regional resources. By scaffolding network building in gradual steps that consider the individual’s needs and learning process, you can empower him or her to play a more active role in shaping his community involvement. Below is a helpful planning tool to get you started. Try to complete as many steps as possible with the person you support.
Read moreGetting Ready for A Social Event/Activity: What to Wear/What to Bring
This resource provides a list of items and tasks to ensure are ready before attending a social event or activity.
Read moreGoing Grocery Shopping Social Story
This social story developed by ASERT explains what to do when going grocery shopping.
Read moreGoing to a Restaurant Social Story
This social story developed by ASERT explains what to do when you go to a restaurant.
Read moreGrounding: Social Story
This resource provides a visual explanation of Grounding, which is paying attention to the environment to help improve emotions and stay calm.
Read moreGuest Speaker Topics for Autism Support Groups (Ages 17+)
This resource developed by ASERT gives examples of topics for guest speakers to talk about at autism support groups with members that are 17 and older.
Read moreGuidelines Concerning Sexual Health, Personal Relationships and Sexuality
The purpose of this bulletin is to distribute "Sexual Health, Personal Relationships, and Sexuality Guidelines" and encourage provider agencies to develop policies consistent with the guidelines.
Read moreHelp Now: Social Story
This resource visually explains the skill called Help Now, which uses strategies to help calm down.
Read moreHosting a Sensory Friendly Event
A sensory friendly event is an event that is designed to be less sensory stimulating and overwhelming. This approach often makes it easier for individuals who have sensory sensitivities, such as those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), who are sensitive to things like noise, colors, sounds and smells, to participate in social activities and community or professional events. If your event is open to the public, you may not know if someone planning to attend has sensory sensitivities. It is therefore important to consider ways to make events welcoming for everyone who may attend.
Read moreHow I See It: Representation of Autism in the Media
As part of the "How I See It" series on PAAutism.org and ASDNext.org, people in the Pennsylvania autism community share their thoughts on how individuals with autism are portrayed in various media fromats.
Read moreHow to Approach Individuals with Autism
This information sheet from ASERT provides tips and suggestions for justice system professionals on approaching individuals with autism.
Read moreHow to Find Someone to Date
When you want to start dating, it can be difficult to know exactly where to find people to date. This resource shares tips and ideas on the most common places to find someone to date.
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 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.
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