Here's a breakdown of what ASERT offers:

• Resource Center:

  ASERT's Resource Center provides information and support to individuals with autism, families, professionals, and community members on autism services and resources in Pennsylvania. 

• Training:

  ASERT offers training to professionals and community members on best practices related to autism. 

• Website:

  PAAutism.org serves as a central hub for information on autism services, resources, events, professional trainings, and current research. 

• eLearning Platform:

  PAAutism.org offers free online courses for individuals, families, and professionals. 

• Support Groups:

  ASERT's Support Group Map helps individuals find support groups in their local areas. 

• Mental Health Resources:

  ASERT provides resources on mental health related to autism, including information for self-advocates, parents, caregivers, first responders, and professionals. 

• Justice System Resources:

  ASERT offers resources related to the justice system for individuals with autism, including data on service utilization and justice system interactions. 

• Be Safe Resources:

  ASERT provides resources on safety for individuals with autism, including information on sexual abuse and assault. 

You can reach ASERT through their toll-free number (877-231-4244), email (info@PAautism.org), or by visiting PAAutism.org. 

AI Generated Presentation Summary:

🚽 Toilet Training for Children with Autism

Practical tips for parents & caregivers

💡 Why Toilet Train?

• Independence – Your child can care for themselves more.

• Safety & Dignity – Less hands-on help needed.

• Opportunities – More access to school, community, jobs later.

• Lower Stress at Home – Less worry about bathrooms when out, fewer supplies to carry.

🛠 Before You Start – Readiness Signs

• Stays dry for at least 1–2 hours or during naps.

• Can walk (or move with support) and sit on the toilet.

• Can pull pants up/down (or tolerate help).

• Understands simple directions (“Come here,” “Sit down”).

• Willing to cooperate with an adult during routines.

• Has no untreated medical issues that affect toileting.

🗓 Planning the Training

• At Home: Block out 3–5 days to focus only on toilet training.

• With School: Plan for 2 weeks of consistent practice at home & school.

• Choose 1–2 bathrooms to train in for consistency.

• Record bowel movement times for 1–2 weeks before starting (helps with later bowel training).

🎯 Key Success Factors

• Teamwork: Parents, teachers, and caregivers using the same plan.

• Clear Goals: Everyone knows what steps are being taught and what rewards will be used.

• Consistency: Same bathroom, same routine, same rewards.

• Patience & Hope: It’s hard work, but progress is possible even for children who’ve struggled before.

🏆 Rewards (Motivation)

• Use special rewards that your child doesn’t get at other times.

• Can be:

  • Consumable: snacks, juice, blueberries

  • Activity: favorite song, game, or short video

  • Social: silly game, high fives, tickles

• Give the reward immediately after success.

🛋 Environment Setup

• Keep bathroom safe and clear of distractions.

• Have:

  • Step stool for feet

  • Adapted seat if needed

  • Extra clothes

  • Cleaning supplies ready

🚦 Training Phases

1. Bladder Training: Frequent trips, reward for using toilet.

2. Self-Initiation: Child starts asking to go.

3. Bowel Training: Use recorded patterns to schedule sits.

Remember:

• Some kids show quick progress in days, others take longer.

• Even children told they “can’t be trained” can succeed with the right approach.

• This is a short-term effort for long-term independence.

hmatlock@pattan.net

Here's how they can help

• Eligibility: To be eligible for OVR services, an individual must have a disability that creates a significant obstacle to employment, require OVR services to achieve employment, and be able to benefit from those services to reach an employment outcome.

• Services: OVR offers a range of services, either directly or through approved vendors, tailored to the individual's needs. These include diagnostic and evaluation services, vocational counseling and guidance, job training, restoration services, job placement assistance, and assistive technology.

• Application: To apply, individuals can contact the OVR District Office serving their county or apply online through PA CareerLink. There are 21 district offices across the state. 

If you are not a PA resident, contact your state's ODR for support.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a US federal law ensuring students with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) tailored to their individual needs. It mandates special education and related services for eligible children with disabilities from birth through high school.

• Purpose:

  IDEA's primary goal is to guarantee that all children with disabilities have access to a free, appropriate public education that meets their unique needs. 

• Key Components:

  • FAPE: Ensures that children with disabilities receive special education and related services at no cost to parents. 

  • Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): Requires that students with disabilities are educated alongside their non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate. 

  • Individualized Education Program (IEP): Mandates the creation of an IEP for each eligible student, outlining their specific educational needs, goals, and the services they will receive. 

  • Parental Rights: Emphasizes the rights of parents to be involved in their child's education, including participating in IEP development and having input into placement decisions. 

  • Early Intervention: Provides services for infants and toddlers with disabilities (ages birth through 2) and their families. 

This presentation reviews regulations for the use of restraints as a last-resort option in emergency situations where an individual is presenting an immanent danger to the safety of themselves or others. It also reviews the procedures for restraint reporting.

Remember to consider that your child's developmental age in an area may not match their chronological age and it's important to meet them where they are. These milestones are not intended to be used as a screening or diagnostic tool.

Always discuss any concern about your child's development with their pediatrician. While it's never too late to intervene, doing so early on can prevent performance gaps.

This resource, goblin.tools takes the effort out of writing down the steps of a skill.

1) Type the skill you want to teach.

2) Click on the chili pepper button to adjust how much the skill will be broken down.

3) Click on the "+" add button.

4) Click on the magic wand button to further break down a step, if needed.

5) Add, edit, or delete any steps. Change the sequence of the steps by clicking and dragging a step.

This publication guides parents on discussing self-advocacy and provides self-advocacy resources.

Teaching safety skills is critical for promoting independence and protecting individuals from harm. Here are some important safety skills to teach, grouped into practical categories:

🔥 Home Safety

• Recognizing hot vs. cold items (e.g., stove, oven, faucet)

• Staying away from sharp objects (e.g., knives, scissors)

• Not touching electrical outlets or cords

• Knowing what to do in case of fire (stop, drop, and roll; how to exit)

• What to do if alone and someone comes to the door

🚶‍♀️ Community Safety

• Crossing the street safely (stop, look, listen)

• Staying on the sidewalk

• Recognizing traffic signs and signals

• Staying close to a caregiver in public places

• Knowing safe adults (e.g., police officer, teacher, store employee)

🧍‍♂️ Personal Safety

• Understanding private vs. public behavior

• Using safe touch and personal boundaries

• Knowing body parts using correct names (important for abuse prevention)

• How to say “no” and get help if uncomfortable or unsafe

• Understanding the difference between secrets and surprises

  📱 Emergency Skills

  • Memorizing or accessing personal information:

    • Full name

    • Address

    • Parent/caregiver’s phone number

  • Using a phone to call for help (e.g., 911)

  • Knowing what to do if lost

  🛑 Stranger Safety

  • Not going anywhere with strangers

  • What to do if approached by someone they don’t know

  • Code word system for emergencies

    
    

    💊 Health & Medical Safety

    • Not taking medicine without an adult

    • Understanding allergies or medical needs

    • Washing hands regularly

    • What to do if hurt or sick (ask for help)

📈 Tips for Teaching Safety Skills

• Practice skills during routines

• Teach in calm, low-stress moments

• Keep language simple and direct.

• Repetition and consistency are key.

• Teach proactively, not reactively.

• Module 1: Increasing Children's Attention to People

• Module 2: Increasing Children's Communications

• Module 3: Joint Activity Routines to Increase Your Child's Learning & Communication

• Module 4: The ABCs of Opportunities for Learning

Please note, the link to additional resources is no longer accessible.

• Sleep

• Diet

• Exercise

• Alcohol consumption

• Access to hobbies

• Social interactions as preferred

• Family time

This session addresses preventing problem behaviors and provides practical procedures for teaching socially appropriate behavior.

This session provides caregivers and SLPs with specific strategies to promote speech sound productions at home.

Speech Safari: Increasing Sound Productions at Home with Collaboration Between SLPs and Caregivers

Children with autism and toddlers showing signs of autism often have a difficult time in the community, especially during doctor visits and haircuts. In this session, Dr. Mary Barbera who is an RN, BCBA-D, and parent will guide you through how to assess the whole child in just 10 minutes, how to make an individualized plan, how to use evidenced-based procedures (shaping, chaining, video modeling, task analysis, desensitization, reinforcement, etc.), and how to collect easy data to ensure success. This session will include video demonstrations and will be great for all parents and professionals who struggle in this area!

Tip: If you see an idea that you want to try, write it down on a post-it note and stick it in the area of your home where you'll use it. If you have an idea on how to embed language within everyday routines that you'd like to share with other families, please comment below 👇

In less than 15 minutes, learn how to you can teach your child any skill.

📆 Coming Soon- Wait for It... Teaching your child the skill of waiting for what they want

📆 Coming Soon- No Big Deal:  Teaching Your Child to Handle Hearing No

AI Generated Summary from presentation transcript:

🗣️ Communication Is More Than Asking for Things
AAC for Kids with Autism – Parent Guide

What is AAC?
AAC = Augmentative and Alternative Communication – any way of communicating other than talking.
Examples:

• No-tech/Low-tech: gestures, sign language, picture cards

• High-tech: speech-generating devices (SGDs), apps on tablets

Why It Matters
✅ Helps kids express needs, feelings, and ideas
✅ Builds social connections
✅ Reduces frustration and problem behaviors

Communication Skills Your Child Needs
Communication isn’t just “I want…” It also includes:

• Labeling (naming things) – “dog,” “swing”

• Answering questions – “What do you want?”

• Social sharing – greetings, telling about their day

Choosing the Right AAC
No “one-size-fits-all.” Consider:

• Current skills (motor, matching, imitation)

• Motivation (what they like/want)

• Ease & speed of use

• Where they’ll use it (school, home, community)

• Backup options if tech fails

Types of AAC

• Topography-based: different movements for each word (speech, sign, typing)

• Selection-based: same movement to pick an option (pointing to pictures, tapping icons)

How to Teach AAC Skills

1. Follow your child’s lead – teach when they want something.

2. Start easy – help them succeed quickly.

3. Prompt as needed → fade prompts for independence.

4. Teach more than one word/sign/picture at a time.

5. Model spoken words while using AAC.

6. Practice everywhere – not just at a table.

Myths to Ignore
❌ “AAC will stop my child from talking.” → Research says it won’t.
❌ “High-tech is always best.” → Not always—sometimes sign or pictures are better.
❌ “If it’s popular online, it will work for my child.” → Every child is different.

Parent Takeaway
The best AAC system is the one your child can:
✅ Use easily
✅ Use anywhere
✅ Use with many people

Start with what motivates them, celebrate small wins, and keep adding new ways for them to share their voice.

For more information on this topic, go to the "Teaching Communication" section of this website.

implementation of an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Each section provides questions to help guide discussion. Utilize the IEP Planning Notes column to support your planning and participation for an upcoming IEP meeting.

Download a free digital copy of this guide https://nationalautismcenter.org/autism/profound-autism/?utm_source=BenchmarkEmail&utm_campaign=May_2025_NAC_eNews&utm_medium=email

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1. Motivation – Your child wants something. Maybe they’re thirsty and want juice, or they want to go outside. That want or need is what makes them ready to ask.

2. The Request – This is how they ask. It might be with words ("juice"), gestures (pointing), signs, pictures/icons, or pulling your hand toward what they want. However they do it, they’re trying to tell you, “I want that.”

3. Getting What They Asked For – Right after they ask, they get the thing they wanted. This helps them learn that asking works, and makes it more likely they’ll do it again.

1. Schedule Personal Time
   Carve out even 15–30 minutes a day to do something just for yourself—reading, walking, a hobby, or just resting.

2. Prioritize Sleep
   Lack of sleep worsens stress. Create a consistent bedtime routine and seek respite support if sleep is regularly interrupted.

3. Healthy Eating & Movement
   Fuel your body with nutritious meals and find small ways to stay active (yoga, stretching, walking, etc.).

4. Mindfulness & Breathing
   Practice simple mindfulness techniques or deep breathing to calm your nervous system. 📱Apps like Calm or Headspace can help.

   
   

   🧠 Emotional & Mental Support

   5. Join a Support Group
      Connecting with others who understand your challenges can offer emotional relief and practical advice. Local or online groups are both helpful.

   6. Talk to a Therapist or Counselor
      Mental health support is essential. Look for professionals who specialize in caregiver burnout or families of individuals with disabilities.

   7. Celebrate Small Wins
      Acknowledge progress, no matter how small. It helps shift focus from challenges to successes.

   🤝 Build a Support System

   8. Ask for Help
      Reach out to friends, family, or neighbors. Let them know specific ways they can support you (e.g., babysitting, errands, meals).

   9. Use Respite Services
      Respite care programs provide temporary relief. Even a few hours can be rejuvenating.

   10. Involve Trusted Professionals
       Regular communication with teachers, therapists, and specialists can reduce the pressure of managing everything alone.

   📅 Organization & Planning

   11. Create Routines
       Predictable routines help reduce daily stress for both you and your child.

   12. Use Schedules or Planners
       Keeping organized reduces surprises and helps you feel more in control.

   13. Break Tasks into Steps
       Don’t try to do everything at once. Prioritize and tackle one thing at a time.

   ❤️ Shift in Perspective

   14. Let Go of Perfection
       It's okay not to have all the answers. Accept that “good enough” is often more than enough.

   15. Practice Self-Compassion
       Remind yourself that you're doing your best in a difficult job. You deserve kindness, too.

Remember, you can't take care of others if you don't take care of yourself.

(Augmentative & Alternative Communication)

1. What is AAC?

AAC is any way to communicate besides speaking:

• No tools needed → gestures, facial expressions, sign language

• With tools → picture cards, communication books, tablets or devices with speech apps

2. Who Can Benefit?

• Kids or adults who don’t yet speak

• People whose speech is hard to understand

• Autistic individuals who sometimes prefer AAC over speech

3. Will AAC Stop Speech?

❌ No – research shows AAC does not delay speech
✅ Sometimes it even helps
💡 Certain skills (like imitating sounds, looking at things, playing with objects) make speech more likely to grow

4. Choosing the Right AAC System

Match the system to your child’s:

• Motor skills (can they point/touch?)

• Portability (can they carry it?)

• Vision (can they see symbols clearly?)

• Future growth (can new words be added easily?)
  📱 Tablets are often affordable, lightweight, and accepted socially

5. Which Words to Teach First

Start with motivating words your child wants—often:

• Nouns (cookie, ball, swing)

• Fun/action verbs (go, play, eat)
  Add “core words” (on, in, more) later for flexibility

6. Organizing the AAC

• By category → animals, food, toys

• By activity → mealtime, playground, birthday party

• Keep important words easy to find and minimize extra steps

7. Teaching AAC

Two main ways:

1. Modeling – you use the AAC while talking (works best if your child already understands a lot)

2. Direct teaching – structured practice with prompts and praise (best for beginners)

Tip: Create chances to communicate—pause in activities, offer choices, set up moments where your child needs to request something

This training includes opportunities to practice each of these strategies. Check back for accompanying materials for teaching this skill.

• These practices are validated through different levels of research, such as:​

• Experimental studies (Strong evidence)​

• Quasi-experimental studies (Moderate evidence)​

• Correlational studies (Promising evidence)​

• Continuous evaluation ensures that EBPs remain effective and adaptable in real-world educational settings.​

  ✔️ Benefits:​

• Data-driven decisions​

• Promotes equity and inclusivity​

• Ensures accountability and improvement in educational systems

Start Small and Easy

Practice with less-preferred items first, not their absolute favorite toy.

Keep practice short—just a few seconds at a time.

Use “Trade, Don’t Take”

Always present something of equal or greater value in exchange (promise reinforcer)

Example: “Showing blocks, as a trade for a ball.”

Model It

Show turn-taking with siblings, or even with your partner: “My turn, your turn.”

Narrate what’s happening so your child hears the language.

Reinforce Cooperation

Praise and celebrate: “Great job giving me the toy!”

Give access back quickly so they learn giving up doesn’t mean “gone forever.”

Gradually Increase Waiting

Once your child can give something up calmly, slowly build the length of turns, but keep the time unpredictable (gradually increase the time and vary the duration)

Plan Ahead

If sharing will be required (at a playdate, playground, or store), practice at home first.

Bring along a backup toy or reward to trade with.

Error- 🚧 What to Do If Your Child Doesn’t Cooperate

"You might have to respond in a less than ideal way in less than ideal circumstances" - "Dr. Willow Hozella"

Stay calm and consistent

You may see some resistance at first, as your child is learning something new.

Keep your tone calm; big reactions can make tantrums bigger and overreacting doesn’t make future tantrums any better

Don’t force it

Forcing a child to give something up usually backfires.

Instead, pause and try again with a smaller step or easier trade.

Use gentle guidance (prompt)

Gently guide your child's hands to help them give it up rather than taking it from them.

Reinforce any progress

Even a small step—like letting you touch the item, or handing it over for just a second—deserves big praise.

Over time, those little wins add up.

Keep practice short

End on success, even if it’s tiny.

Don’t stretch practice to the point of meltdown; stop while it’s still positive.

Have a plan for tantrums

Stay nearby, calm, and safe.

Try not to give the item back because of a tantrum—that teaches the tantrum works.

Wait until they’re calm, then try again with something easier.

✨ Key reassurance:
“Not cooperating doesn’t mean your child can’t learn—it just means they need more practice, smaller steps, and lots of encouragement. Progress is built one step at a time.”

One way to gradually expand their preferences is pair something new with what they currently enjoy. For example, if they like playdoh but aren't yet interested in the Mr. Potato Head, show them how to stick the body parts in the Playdoh to make a Playdoh person. Over time, you can show them it's also fun to play with the Potato Head.

To be effective: identify something worth the effort to transition, show it BEFORE saying the direction to transition, and deliver the promise immediately ONLY if cooperation occurs.

Think of it like a contract. The agreement happens BEFOREHAND and the payout happens AFTER fulfilling the requirement.

Camp insPirAtion (formerly The Children’s Institute) is now OPEN and offering a FREE, inclusive day camp experience for youth ages 4–21 whose caregivers are attending the conference.

In partnership with the CSinPA Initiative and Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN) members, Camp insPirAtion will provide engaging, transition-focused activities designed to help campers build skills for life beyond high school all while having fun in a supportive environment.

Who Can Attend:
Children and youth with autism, sensory needs, complex instructional needs, and/or those involved in secondary transition, as well as their siblings, are all welcome!

Camp Details:

• Dates: August 4-7, 2026

• Location: Lancaster, PA

• Cost: Free

What to Expect:
Campers will enjoy a variety of fun, structured activities including water games, crafts, gym time, music, gaming, and more all facilitated by a dedicated team of certified teachers, behavior analysts, occupational therapists, and paraprofessionals.

Caregivers can fully engage in conference sessions knowing their children are in a safe, enriching, and engaging environment.

Registration Information:

• Deadline: June 15, 2026

• Space is limited—early registration is encouraged!

• Register here: https://tinyurl.com/BridgConf

If you have any questions, please contact us at campinspiration@pattan.net.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education is excited to invite educators, families, youth, and community partners to one of Pennsylvania’s premier professional learning events!

📅 August 4–7, 2026
📍 Join us In Person at the Lancaster County Convention Center or Virtually from anywhere!

Whether you’re looking for innovative strategies, practical tools, meaningful networking, or inspiration to fuel your work, #BK2KH2026 has something for everyone.

This year’s conference will feature engaging sessions focused on:
✨ Autism
✨ Sensory Disabilities
✨ Secondary Transition
✨ Complex Instructional Needs
✨ Practical strategies that bridge knowledge into action

Participants will leave with tangible ideas and resources to enhance instruction, strengthen supports, and improve outcomes for students across settings.

👥 Who Should Attend?
Teachers, administrators, school teams, related service providers, early intervention staff, pre-service educators, families, youth and young adults, and community partners.

🎓 Credits Available:
Act 48, ACVREP, ASHA, BACB, CRC, OT, PT, Psychology, Infant/Toddler, and more!

💻 Registration Rates:
• In Person: $250
• Virtual: $175

➡️ Register today and explore scholarship opportunities, youth experiences, featured sessions, and more:
BK2KH Conference Registration Page

We can’t wait to learn, collaborate, and grow together at #BK2KH2026 as we continue bridging the gap between knowledge and practical application for Pennsylvania’s learners.

Questions?
📧 Registration: BridgingRegistration@pattan.net
📧 Sessions & Events: BK2KH2026@pattanpgh.net