This resources page is for autistic adults seeking government assistance in Pennsylvania. Some of the programs and organizations listed here are specific to my location of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, USA. If you’re an autistic adult and looking for more information on self-identification or connecting with other autistics, please check out these resources instead.
- Administrative Service Coordination is a program provided by Wesley Family Services that can help you gain timely and appropriate entry into the mental health system, including obtaining authorization for service, referral to specialized services, monitoring at local hospitals, and more.
- The Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) is a Medicaid waiver designed to provide long-term services and supports for community living, tailored to the specific needs of autistic adults (age 21+). The program is designed to help autistic adults participate in their communities in the way they want to, based upon their needs.
- Vocational Rehabilitation Services from the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) helps disabled people prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment.
- The ASERT Collaborative (Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training) is a key component of the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations and funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Their goal is to provide streamlined access to information for autistic Pennsylvanians.
- Housing Options for Autistic Adults (pdf) by the Bureau of Autism Services, Pennsylvania’s Department of Public Welfare
988: A Direct Link For Suicide Prevention and Crisis Support
It’s now easier for Pennsylvanians to connect to behavioral or mental health crisis services. Contacting 988 will connect you to free and confidential support, available 24/7, if you are in distress or in need of prevention and crisis resources for yourself or a loved one. Learn more about 988 in Pennsylvania.
Call or Text 988 to Start the Conversation
PA Support & Referral Helpline
The Trevor Project Lifeline (LGBTQIA+)
Buttons with an asterisk (*) only work if tapped on by a mobile device or a device with phone service. The call buttons are special links configured to open the default phone app installed on your device with the number dialed, all you need to do is press the call button. The text buttons are special links configured to open the default texting app installed on your device with the number and message (for text lines that require starting keywords) prefilled for you, all you need to do is press the send button to send the message.
