community and professional Resource videos

This section contains videos that have been developed by the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations as a free resource for individuals, families, professionals, and community members. 

Transition Discussions

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) seminar for professionals supporting individuals on the spectrum

This training was designed for direct support professionals and other community professionals who may interact with individuals with ASD. It provides an understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (e.g., core deficits) and highlights considerations for successful support (e.g., navigating challenging behaviors, communicating with individuals with autism, and successful family and team engagement).

Click this image to watch the ASD Seminar for DSPs webcast- Part 1.Click here to watch the ASD Seminar for DSPs Part 2
ASD Seminar – Part One
Duration: 1.5 hours
ASD Seminar – Part Two
Duration: 1 hour

community inclusion for adults with autism

This manual, “Community Inclusion for Adults with Autism: Guidance for Providers in Pennsylvania,” was released in 2010. It is the result of the collaborative efforts of Devereux Pennsylvania and Lehigh University, as a project through the Eastern Region ASERT. 

This manual, and the video providing an overview of the manual, was designed for use by providers of services to adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), provides a comprehensive synthesis of numerous best practices based on the innovative practices developed through Devereux’s CAAPP and Lehigh University.

Community Inclusion for Adults with Autism: Guidance for Providers in Pennsylvania

The manual is a result of the collaborative efforts of Devereux Pennsylvania and Eastern Region ASERT at Lehigh University. This manual, designed for use by providers of services to adults with ASD, provides a comprehensive synthesis of numerous best practices based on the innovative practices developed through Devereux’s CAAPP and Lehigh University.

Included are topics such as:

• Employment services

• Community inclusion services

• Instructional strategies and supports

• Operational issues

Click to view the Community Inclusion for Adults with Autism Manual
Community Inclusion for Adults with Autism Manual (PDF)

first look training video

Topic: An introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for any adult unfamiliar with autism

Title: First Look (DVD, 2007)

Description: This 17 minute DVD provides a “first look” at autism. Narrated by Professor Susan Mayes, this DVD offers a basic overview of the complexities of Autism Spectrum Disorder and asks viewers to be more accepting and seek understanding of persons with autism as people first. The DVD features no actors, but instead experts on autism, parents, and children and adults with autism.

Experts from Penn State University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the Capital Area Intermediate Unit discuss symptoms of autism, history of interventions and educational components for persons with autism. Also featured are families and persons with autism, from young children to adults.

This presentation is a collaboration between PA Department of Public Welfare (now the Department of Human Services), Bureau of Autism Services and the PA Department of Education, Pennsylvania Technical and Training Assistance Network (PATTAN).

Suggested Audience: This is appropriate for extended family of a person with autism, the general public and any adult unfamiliar with Autism Spectrum Disorder who, because they serve the public, will likely interact with persons with autism

Level : Basic information

Click here to view the First Look training video.
First Look Video

second look: adults with autism training video

Topic: A look at the issues and needs of adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorders ( ASD ) in Pennsylvania

Title: “Second Look: Adults with Autism” ( DVD 2007)

Description: “Second Look: Adults with Autism” is a thirty-minute, documentary-style film about the issues and needs of adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorders ( ASD ) in Pennsylvania. The film features interviews with people on the autism spectrum from age 17 to 77, nationally recognized autism experts and providers of services. The participants are candid, and their comments are timely and thought-provoking. The film illustrates the common challenges to find services, employment, self-sufficiency and community in Pennsylvania. This film is available free on DVD, with Closed Captioning and Spanish captioning options. “Second Look” is part of a series of awareness, training and technical support media resources developed to address several intertwined goals of the 2004 Autism Task Force Report.

This presentation is a collaboration between the PA Department of Public Welfare, Bureau of Autism Services and the PA Department of Education, Pennsylvania Technical and Training Assistance Network (PATTAN).

Suggested Audience: This is appropriate for the extended family of a person with autism, the general public and any adult unfamiliar with Autism Spectrum Disorders who, because they serve the public, will likely interact with persons with autism.

Level: Basic information.

(This video will pop-up in a new window)

Click here to view Second Look training video.
Second Look

third look: adults with autism training video

Topic: A look at appropriate supports to meet the needs of adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Pennsylvania

Title: “Third Look: Adults with Autism” (DVD 2009)

Description: “Third Look: Adults with Autism” is a twenty-minute, documentary-style film about the need for providers and direct-care workers to support the needs of adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Pennsylvania. This film illustrates that the investment in training and quality staff to work with adults living with ASD can result in very rewarding outcomes for the individual with autism, the family, and the direct care worker.

Suggested Audience: This is appropriate for professionals supporting adults with autism, extended family of a person with autism, the general public, and any adult unfamiliar with Autism Spectrum Disorders who, because they serve the public, will likely interact with persons with autism

Level: Basic information

Third Look Video (download)

Third Look (Download)

first responder training

This training curriculum, A First Responder’s Guide: Individuals with Autism in Emergency & Crisis Situations, was developed by the Western Region ASERT Collaborative to provide First Responders with strategies for interacting with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 

This autism training manual and video, A First Responder’s Guide: Individuals with Autism in Emergency & Crisis Situations, was developed by the Western Region ASERT Collaborative. It includes the manual and a training video.

Please note that this training is provided here as a free resource for anyone interested in viewing it.

First Responder Manual
Click here to view First Responders Video
First Responders Training Video

First Responders Training Video