MN Autism Resource website now available

The Minnesota Autism Resource website is now available for youth and adults with autism as well as parents, teachers, social service and health care professionals and others to get and share information about autism spectrum disorders and related conditions (ASD).

“This new website is just one part of our commitment to improve autism services in Minnesota,” said Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper. “We want Minnesotans interested in autism to have the opportunity to connect with one another, share and learn about autism, and access our state’s services and supports for people with autism. Community participation will drive the website’s success.”

A key strategy for the Minnesota Autism Resource website is crowd sourcing content, where individuals and organizations submit content for posting on the website. This is a way to keep the website continually growing and evolving based on community needs and input.

Other key features of the website include:

·         A map showing locations of Minnesota autism-related organizations;

·         A calendar of autism-related events;

·         Links to organizations, tools and information with info on a variety of autism-related topics;

·         A job board where autism organizations can post employment opportunities;

·         A multimedia gallery with autism-related videos.

To submit content, suggest ideas for the website or ask questions, organizations and individuals need to fill out a form in the Contact Us section on the site. Content guidelines have been established to ensure content is relevant and not in any way promotional, political, discriminatory or offensive.

The website, (mn.gov/autism) is funded by the Minnesota Legislature at the recommendation of the state’s Autism Spectrum Disorder Task Force, was developed in a collaborative effort between the Minnesota departments of Human Services, Education, Health and Employment and Economic Development.

fall meetings on benefit for children with autism

The Minnesota Department of Human Services will host the next in a series of public meetings to provide information about a benefit available for children and youth under age 21 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related conditions. The benefit is available through Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare.

Meetings for parents, providers, potential providers and staff of county, tribal or managed care organizations are set for:

• 1:30 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, at the Morrison County Government Center, 213 First Ave. SE, Little Falls
• 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9, in the Beltrami County Administration Building, 701 Minnesota Ave. NW, Bemidji.

A meeting specifically for parents is set for: 

• 1:30 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, at Lakeville Heritage Library, 20085 Heritage Drive, Lakeville. Another meeting for providers in this area will be scheduled at a later date. 

“It’s important that families are aware of Minnesota’s new benefit, which is designed to improve social interaction, communication and behavioral regulation skills at a critical time in a child’s development,” said Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper. “The goal of the Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention services are to promote fuller participation by children in their family, schools and community life. Services are based on the family’s values and culture and include training and support for the family.”

The meetings are designed for participants to ask questions and get information about the benefit, tell DHS staff about challenges and successes related to the benefit and provide input on various topics related to the benefit.

Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation to participate in these meetings should email ASD.DHS@state.mn.us by Sept. 18 and say what type of accommodation you need.

Meeting set for parents of youth with autism

Parents of children or young adults under age 21 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or a related condition are invited to a parents meeting hosted by the Minnesota Department of Human Services from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, April 21, at the Brooklyn Park Public Library, 8500 W. Broadway, Brooklyn Park. The meeting will be held in the Mississippi Room. The meeting room is accessible and the library has free parking.

The meeting will focus on the Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) benefit for children and young adults under age 21 with ASD and related conditions. The benefit, introduced in 2015, offers medically necessary, individualized and intensive treatment services for children and young adults with ASD and related conditions who are eligible for or enrolled in Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare.

“We want more Minnesota families to be aware of the opportunities of this benefit, which was designed to address in a comprehensive way effects of ASD and related conditions for the youth and the family,” said Claire Wilson, DHS assistant commissioner for Community Supports.

This meeting is the first of proposed quarterly meetings in the state for parents to:

• Hear information about the EIDBI benefit from DHS staff
• Get answers to their questions about the EIDBI benefit
• Tell DHS staff about challenges and successes related to the EIDBI benefit
• Provide input on various topics related to the administration, implementation, or improvement of the EIDBI benefit.

Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation to participate in the meeting should email ASD.DHS@state.mn.usand say what type of accommodation you need.