The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

The session will begin with an overview of the Pennsylvania Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT), a statewide initiative funded by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Autism Services (BAS). The ASERT Collaborative is comprised of Eastern, Central, and Western regions, with each region is housed at an academic institution. In the introduction, presenters will outline the mission of ASERT to improve regional access to services and supports, provide information and support to families, and train professionals in best practices. Presenters will also note how ASERT’s structure allows it to effectively address both specific regional and statewide needs.

After a broad overview of ASERT’s structure and function and BAS, presenters will provide examples of the projects and resources that demonstrate how ASERT works to serve individuals with autism across the lifespan. Presenters will also describe how ASERT’s location within academic institutions, while working in partnership with BAS, has allowed for projects that are both and innovative and relevant in data, clinical, and policy domains. The use of quantitative data collection and analysis to inform all its projects will be a focal point of the session.  First, ASERT will discuss the 2009 Pennsylvania Autism Census and the 2014 Pennsylvania Autism Census Update, which  identified the number of individuals with autism receiving services in Pennsylvania in 2005 and 2011 respectively(Shea, 200; Shea, 2014). Additionally, presenters will discuss the 2011 Pennsylvania Autism Needs Assessment, which surveyed individuals with autism and their caregivers across Pennsylvania (Shea, 2011). Presenters will explain how this data has informed the creation and development of several additional projects.

ASERT has also utilized qualitative data methods to support BAS programs. Currently, BAS has two programs for adults with autism: the Adult Community Autism Program and the Adult Autism Waiver. In 2013-14, BAS commissioned the ASERT Collaborative Eastern Region to conduct a series of focus groups to engage program participants, their families, service providers, and program administrators to learn more about their experiences. The results of this project provided additional data for future planning for these programs.

ASERT also provides support for individuals and their families through a statewide resource center. The statewide resource center has a call-line, staffed with resource specialists from Monday to Friday, during the business day in both English and Spanish. In 2015 alone, 1,734 families, individuals with autism, and professionals were assisted through the call center. Additionally, the ASERT website (paautism.org) provides resources on several important and relevant topics, such as transition, education, housing, and employment, and lists local community events for individuals with autism and their families. These community outreach efforts provide ASERT and BAS with a greater understanding of the needs of individuals with autism which can help inform future projects.

In conclusion of the session, presenters will summarize the current impact of ASERT in regards to data, clinical, and policy projects as well as the overall utility of the model. Presenters will also provide a summary of lessons learned from past projects and brief overview of future projects that the ASERT is considering.