AuSM offers FREE AuSM Skillshop about technology supports

The autism community is invited to participate in a free 2-hour AuSM Skillshop on Tuesday, Oct. 22. Held at AuSM's office in St. Paul, "Technology as Support" will feature presentations from Joshin, Kinuu, and Rem5 VR Lab. Technology is constantly evolving, and new technology allows for new possibilities. In addition to being fun and engaging, technology can be used to provide support and build new skills for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other neurodiversities. In this AuSM Skillshop, hear from three different businesses that have used technology in innovative ways. This AuSM Skillshop is being offered at no charge; however, registration is required. Click here to register.

Games by James celebrates 40th anniversary and gives to AuSM

For four decades, Games by James has been the go-to resource for classic board games, role-playing games, puzzles, outdoor activities, card games and current trends like Pop Sockets. And to mark the occasion, the retailer is turning the Mall of America’s Rotunda into a game-themed wonderland on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

With dozens of local and national game creators and vendors giving mall visitors a chance to walk up and play (and possibly win copies of) their games throughout the day, the Games by James 40th Anniversary Celebration will also feature giveaways at 40 minutes past each hour, as well as a stage with games and prizes – all at no cost. Forty percent of all sales in the Mall of America Rotunda will benefit AuSM. In addition, the first hour of the event – from 9-10 a.m. – will feature sensory-friendly lower light and sound levels. Click here for more information.

AuSM hires multicultural outreach coordinator to lead DHS grant program

AuSM is pleased to announce the hiring of Ashwak Hassan, MA, LMFT, in the new role of Multicultural Outreach Coordinator. Hassan will lead a project that brings together AuSM, the Somali American Parent Network (SAPA), and the Multicultural Autism Action Network (MAAN) to support the metro area’s multicultural population affected by autism and similar disabilities. The project is fueled by a two-year Minnesota Department of Human Services Innovations Grant.

With a history of more than a decade of work in intervention services in centers across the Twin Cities, Hassan feels this project is the perfect fit for her focus on research and understanding the needs of multicultural communities.

“We need to simplify how families affected by autism access services,” Hassan said. “This is a complex system; if we can help with navigation, we also will help build community and supports.”

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AuSM expands therapy offerings to Rochester area

In an effort to increase reach and to serve the southeastern portion of Minnesota, the AuSM Counseling and Consulting Services team is pleased to announce the addition of James Rechs, LICSW, a therapist who will serve the Rochester, Minn. area.

Rechs is the former executive director of the RT Autism Awareness Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting families and individuals affected by autism. He also has used his master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and an undergraduate degree from Grinnell College in Iowa, to serve the community as a therapist and advocate for more than 15 years.

“As we continuously strive to better serve the Greater Minnesota autism community, we hope that physical satellite office presence in Rochester can help us achieve better impact,” said Ellie Wilson, AuSM Executive Director. “We are especially thrilled to work with James, as we know he will continue to inspire collaboration with individuals, families, and organizations that seek to improve community living for those with autism in Southeastern Minnesota.”

In his new role with AuSM, Rechs will provide individual therapy for adults and teens as well as psychoeducation and support for parents, families, and caregivers.

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AuSM, SAPA, and MAAN partner to support local families with autism

AuSM is pleased to announce a partnership with the Somali American Parent Association (SAPA) and the Multicultural Autism Action Network (MAAN). Fueled by a two-year Minnesota Department of Human Services Innovations Grant, this partnership will focus on supporting the metro area’s multicultural population with autism and similar disabilities.

Together, AuSM, SAPA, and MAAN will plan outreach to families in order to provide education about navigation of quality, culturally appropriate services, and supports. Additionally, there will be several opportunities for facilitated participation in community opportunities for inclusive programming.

“The fabric of the autism community is threaded with diversity that is often underserved by programs and services that are designed for a perceived majority,” said Ellie Wilson, AuSM Executive Director. “This project is about deepening meaningful connections with multicultural communities so that we can learn how to better include, serve, and advocate for our whole community, and all who belong to it.”

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