COMMONWEALTH -- The Pennsylvania Autism Needs Assessment collects information from thousands of individuals with autism and their families/caregivers to inform priorities for programs and policies. Information gathered from the assessment is aggregated and made available to the public. It is used for the development of resources, training and support systems.
The Autism Services, Education, Resource and Training (ASERT) Collaborative, in partnership with the Bureau of Autism Services, Office of Developmental Programs, is executing a follow-up to the 2011 Pennsylvania Autism Needs Assessment. The information will help the ASERT Collaborative prioritize the creation of informational materials, social stories and outreach materials based on the needs reported by individuals and families. The Social Skills Project for Adults and Adolescents and the Justice System Initiatives grew out of the original 2010 assessment.
The findings also present a real-time picture of training needs across geographic areas and multiple service systems. The breadth of the survey questions help illuminate under-researched topics for future training such as gender identity and substance abuse.
The Pennsylvania Autism Needs Assessment delivers direct data and information on policy and program opportunities. It reaches across ages, symptom presentation profiles, service system experiences, and varying community characteristics to inform transitions and effective service planning, and it helps to target training and resource development to increase capacity for providers. The assessment will also help to direct support professionals and administrators to better design systems and serve individuals and their families/caregivers.
The Pennsylvania Autism Needs Assessment Update is currently available for individuals with autism and their caregivers to complete. The information collected is used by policymakers, service providers, community organizations, advocacy groups, family members, and individuals with autism to better understand and address the needs of the autism community in Pennsylvania.
You can fill out the survey online or contact the ASERT Resource Center (877-231-4244 or info@paautism.org) to request a paper copy of the survey.