Empowering Multicultural Communities Through Collaboration: The Family-to-Family Grant
AuSM has long been committed to fostering a more inclusive and supportive autism community. In 2024, through the Family-to-Family Grant funded by the Minnesota Department of Human Services Disability Services Division, we have continued to expand our reach by building meaningful partnerships with organizations serving Minnesota’s diverse cultural communities. These collaborations have allowed us to develop culturally responsive resources, establish support networks, and amplify the voices of families navigating autism in unique cultural contexts.
Strengthening Partnerships for Greater Impact
Collaboration is at the heart of our work. We recognize that every cultural group in Minnesota plays a crucial role in shaping our statewide autism identity. By partnering with organizations deeply embedded in their communities, we ensure that our efforts are informed by real relationships, lived experiences, and community-driven priorities. In 2024, we expanded our network to include:
- Centro Tyrone Guzman – A new partner in 2024, Centro has integrated autism awareness into its existing programs that serve Latine and Spanish-speaking families. Their development of a support group for Latine parents of autistic children marks a critical step in community engagement and education.
- Maangaar Global – Supporting Somali families through parent education and community discussions, Maangaar fosters acceptance and advocacy for multiply marginalized families. Their support group for Somali parents provides a vital space for connection and empowerment.
- Multicultural Autism Action Network (MAAN) – With a strong focus on service navigation for immigrant families, MAAN continues to be a key ally in legislative, educational, and social service initiatives, ensuring that both parents and autistic individuals are included in shaping the autism support landscape.
- SEWA-AIFW – Serving the Indian and South Asian diaspora, SEWA has deepened its commitment to neurodiversity affirmation by developing resources in Hindi, Urdu, and Gujarati. Their support group for South Asian parents provides a culturally informed space for shared learning and community-building.
- Somali Parent Autism Network (SPAN) – Renowned for its anti-stigma efforts and extensive reach within the Somali community, SPAN connects families across Minnesota, from the Twin Cities to Greater Minnesota cities like Rochester, Willmar, and St. Cloud. Their virtual support group continues to provide a critical space for Somali parents navigating autism.
Support Groups: A Lifeline for Families
One of the most impactful elements of this initiative has been the growth of our partner-led support groups. In 2024, our partners hosted support groups that reached XX new East African parents, XX new Latine parents, and an increasing number of South Asian families joining discussions. These groups provide a safe space for families to share their experiences, seek guidance, and advocate for their children.
The importance of these groups was particularly evident in the Somali community following the tragic drowning of an autistic Somali boy in October. Parents turned to their support networks for guidance on safety resources, waiver services for locks and security measures, and access to water safety programming. Discussions at SPAN’s support group also covered crucial topics such as stress management and guardianship options for autistic children approaching adulthood.
Expanding Culturally Responsive Resources
Through the Family-to-Family Grant, AuSM has produced an array of resources designed to meet the needs of diverse families. Our newly developed one-pagers and guides address key topics such as understanding autism, debunking myths, navigating services, and building community support. In 2024 we released nine tip sheets, all of which have been translated into Spanish and which will be translated into additional languages through the help of our partner organizations.
Additionally, we have ventured into multimedia resources, producing videos in English, Somali, Amharic, and Oromo. By leveraging the video expertise of partners like MAAN and the cultural and language backgrounds of all our partner organizations, we are able to ensure that critical information is accessible to families in a format that resonates with their cultural and linguistic needs.