What is the PA Autism Needs Assessment?
The first Pennsylvania (PA) Autism Needs Assessment was completed in 2010. The 2010 survey was the largest and most comprehensive survey of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their caregivers in the nation, with over 3,500 participants.
Because the population of individuals with autism continues to grow and change in our state, a new PA Autism Needs Assessment survey was completed in 2018. More than 8,000 autistic individuals and their caregivers completed the 2018 PA Autism Needs Assessment.
Why is the PA Autism Needs Assessment conducted?
The PA Autism Needs Assessment lets us learn about the needs and experiences of people on the autism spectrum and their families/caregivers. The information collected from the survey is intended for service providers, community organizations and leaders, and advocacy groups to better understand and address the needs of individuals on the spectrum in Pennsylvania.
Who completed the survey?
Individuals on the autism spectrum and family/caregivers completed the survey.
How was the survey conducted?
The PA Autism Needs Assessment is a statewide assessment conducted either as a paper survey completed by mail or online. The survey was distributed across Pennsylvania. The 2018 PA Autism Needs Assessment included two versions of the survey, one for individuals with autism and another for family/caregivers, and was translated into 14 languages.
What other states have conducted Needs Assessments based on the PA Autism Needs Assessment?
Organizations across the nation have used the PA Autism Needs Assessment to create their own Needs Assessment. Other nations have used the PA Autism Needs Assessment as a model to gather information about the ASD community. Has your organization, state or country used the PA Autism Needs Assessment to develop your own assessment? Share your story with us here.
