Bureau of Autism Services

ASERT (Autism Services, Education, Research, and Training) Autism Services - Ensure that people living with autism and their families, in every part of the Commonwealth, can access quality supports and interventions that are based on best practices and provided by trained professionals. Education - Develop educational materials relative to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and disseminate to families, providers, and all other stakeholders. Research - Research yielding practical and measurable results that contribute. Training - Become key partners in the efforts to address the lack of professionals who can provide timely diagnosis or are trained to educate or treat individuals with ASD.

The ASERT Mission Improving regional access to quality services and interventions, providing information and support to families, training professionals in best practices and facilitating collaboration among providers of services throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A primary recommendation of the Pennsylvania Autism Task Force commissioned in 2004,

ASERT Centers - What are they? Not a place: A partnership of medical centers, centers of autism research and services, universities and other providers of services involved in the treatment and care of adults and children with an autism spectrum disorder. One each in the eastern, western and central parts of Pennsylvania.

Eastern Region ASERT  Center for Autism Research (CAR) at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia  University of Pennsylvania  Drexel University  Lehigh University  Holy Family University

Eastern Region ASERT Key Initiatives Build diagnostic expertise throughout the region Community-based inclusion services for Adults (Lehigh University) Increase services to the Latino Community (Drexel) Development of region-specific resource guides

Western Region ASERT  Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of the Pittsburgh Medical Center The Watson Institute  Dr. Gertrude Barber Center, Inc.  University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh,  University of Pittsburgh, and Mercyhurst College

Western Region ASERT Key Initiatives Adult Transition Outpatient Asperger treatment program (WPIC) Project Search – Transition to Work Program (Barber Institute) CAMPUS – College Autism/Asperger Matriculation Program (Watson Institute) Applied research projects, including Sleep Project, Biofeedback Project and Asperger Diagnostic Project

Central Region ASERT  Penn State Hershey Medical Center  Philhaven's Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities  the Vista Foundation

Central Region ASERT Key Initiatives Central Pennsylvania Resource Center Establishment of satellite sites Specialty clinics Autism-specific education for medical professionals Development of social skills training for adults with ASD.

AdamsBedfordBlair Cambria CentreClinton ColumbiaCumberlandDauphin FranklinFultonHuntington JuniataLancasterLebanon LycomingMifflinMontour NorthumberlandPerrySnyder SomersetUnionYork Central Region ASERT serves the following counties:

The ASERT Resource Center What is the Resource Center? An initiative of the ASERT Central Region. A call center serving individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), parents, teachers, doctors, and professionals. A number to call for information about ASD services in central Pennsylvania counties A resource of general Autism information

We can help with a piece of the puzzle With an extensive database of resources, we can provide you with information answering your questions and putting you in touch with service providers in your area. One of our knowledgeable professionals will provide you with the resources you requested within 48 hours of your call. The ASERT Resource Center

Common topics that we provide information about Medical Assistance (MA)School – Intermediate Units, IEPs MH/MR Case Management Sib Shops Occupational TherapySocial Skills Groups Physical TherapySpeech Therapy PubertySummer Camps Recreational ActivitiesSupport Groups Respite Transitioning Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services (BHRS)

Example of a call Resource Center Specialist (RCS): Hello, Resource Center, this is Nancy, how can I help you? Jane Doe: Hello, my name is Jane Doe, I have a child with Aspergers and I would like to find social skills groups in my area. RCS: Ok, how old is your child, and where are you calling from? Jane: My son is 10 years old and I am calling from Elizabethtown RCS: well, there are a number of great social skills groups in your area. For instance, Aarons Acres has a program, you can call them at Elizabethtown college also has a program that will set your child up with a college student, similar to big brothers, big sisters. them at Other options you can consider are…. The ASERT Resource Center

We can help with a piece of the puzzle Website: Trained professionals who can help put you in touch with the resources available in your area.