April is Autism Acceptance Month, we wanted to highlight some sources that could be of benefit to those seeking more resources when it comes to autism awareness. These sources have been provided by Kelly Weimer, Director of Autism Services. For more information, please reach out to kweimer@pressleyridge.org or visit our website to learn more about autism acceptance.
Legal Services for Special Needs
Estate planning, guardianships, and other legal services for families of special needs individuals.
Kim Orlando, RPM Law, LLC
Autism Connection of PA
They offer support, education, and advocacy to families.
Resources from the PA Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations
ASERT
ASERT (Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training) is a partnership of medical centers, centers of autism research and services, universities, and other providers involved in the treatment and care of individuals of all ages with autism and their families. ASERT was developed to bring together resources locally, regionally, and statewide.
ASERT aims to:
Support the autism community throughout PA
Educate individuals with autism and their families, professionals, and community members
Measure data, needs and change
Connect local, regional and statewide resources
Build resources, programs, and innovative projects.
ASERT is funded by the Office of Developmental Programs.
#ASDNext.org
Getting ready to face the “real” world after high school is a scary and sometimes overwhelming process. That is where #ASDNext comes in! #ASDNext is an initiative of the Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training (ASERT) Collaborative, a key component of the Office of Developmental Programs strategy for supporting individuals with autism and their families throughout the Commonwealth.
This website was developed to provide a place for individuals with autism to find information and resources specific to them, as well as help them connect with others in their communities., ASDNext.org is designed specifically for individuals on the spectrum, particularly teens and young adults. The website features a social calendar of community events around the state, blogs by young adults on the spectrum, and a community page where individuals can connect with others.
#ASDNext houses resources and information for Pennsylvania teens and adults with autism, as well as family members, caregivers, professionals and community members.
#ASDNext was conceived to help fill the growing need for resources and support to help teens and young adults with autism transition to “adult” life after school. Research has shown that this transition period is extremely difficult for individuals with autism, often resulting in social isolation and high rates of under- or unemployment. Services and supports that were available through school-age years are no longer available and adult service systems often are not well-educated or equipped to support individuals with autism. This is where #ASDNext hopes to help fill some of that gap!
National Resources