Pathways for BIPOC Families
In 2025, AuSM was selected by the Department of Human Services to expand our equity-focused work related to the reduction of cultural barriers for families with autistic children. We are connecting with Twin Cities-based organizations that support Black families as well as parents of Black autistic children to help advance a strategy that will bring new resources and connection to this intersection of our community.
This page contains the resources, trainings, and events that are part of this work, all offered at no cost to the BIPOC community. Check back regularly for updates!
Upcoming Events
Free Adaptive Swim Lesson and Sensory Play
Monday, May 4, 2026; 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
V3 Sports Center, 701 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Join us for an inclusive swim safety event for autistic children and their families. This event offers free, one-on-one water safety lessons in the V3 Sports pool. Each registered child will receive a 30-minute accommodated lesson with a trained instructor, focused on water safety, comfort, and building confidence in and around the water. Parents can watch or join the safety lesson. Free swim will be allowed before or after the lesson, with in-pool parent supervision required. Sensory supports and a flexible environment will be available to help children participate in ways that work best for them. Community resources and connections will be available on-site for all who attend!
Steps for Autism in Minnesota
May 17, 2026; 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The ROC at the St. Louis Park Rec Center, 3700 Monterey Drive, St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Join us for the 26th Annual Steps for Autism in Minnesota from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the ROC at the St. Louis Park Rec Center. You’ll experience fun activities, an autism resource fair, and opportunities for community connections. It’s always free to attend the resource fair and event on May 17, although we request that you register in advance so we know how many people are coming
Resources and Supports
BIPOC Parents of Children with Autism Support Group
BIPOC parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder gather to discuss challenges, triumphs, and strategies for support. This group is welcome to all parents and caregivers of kids with disabilities who identify as black, indigenous, and people of color. This group meets every third Thursday of the month from 12-1 p.m.
Tip Sheets and One Pagers
Check out our free resources developed with the needs of the BIPOC community in mind.
How to Qualify for Medical Assistance (MA) Under Disability
Accessing County Disability Services
Podcasts
AuSM has partnered with Sheletta Brundidge to create two podcast episodes focused on the black autistic experience.
Black Mommas Battle for Service
Black moms share their experience of fighting for fairness for their autistic children both inside and outside of their homes.
Finding the Right Provider for Your Black Autistic Child
Sheletta chats with Andrea Lawson Founder and Chief Principal Consultant of HealthEQ Solutions, where she partners with organizations to design inclusive systems, about what it looks like to provide culturally competent care to Black neurodiverse children.
Recorded Sessions
School Seclusion, Suspension, and Expulsion: What Families Need to Know
Presented by Maren-Christenson-Hofer
Join us for a conversation on exclusionary discipline in schools with parent and advocate Maren Christenson Hofer, Executive Director of the Multicultural Autism Action Network. Learn about the history of these practices, how they are defined, what the data tells us about who is most affected, parent and student rights, and the current discussions going on at the legislature about their use.
10 Affirmations for Parents of Autistic Kids (From a Mom Who Gets It)
Presented by Miss Shannan Paul
Parenting an autistic kiddo comes with plenty of lessons — some hilarious, some heartbreaking, and all very real. Join Miss Shannan Paul — comedian, storyteller, and full-time single mom to her amazing autistic teen — for a session built around 10 affirmations every parent needs to hear.
These aren’t Pinterest quotes or sugar-coated mantras. These are lived-in, laugh-through-the-tears reminders that you are enough, that pauses are not failures, and that progress sometimes looks like crooked haircuts or a rare full night’s sleep.With humor, honesty, and a whole lot of compassion, Miss Shannan shares the affirmations (and the stories behind them) that help her — and hopefully you — keep perspective, release guilt, and find joy on this unpredictable journey. Because yes, it’s hard. But it’s also worth celebrating. And you don’t have to do it alone.
Autism In the News: A Community Conversation with Medical Professionals About Tylenol, Leukovorin, and What You Need to Know
Join us for a conversation with medical professionals to hear about autism in the news. If you have questions about Tylenol and Leukovorin, we have answers!
Know Your Rights
Presented by Jillian Nelson
Disability rights are applicable to every area of life, from housing, to education, from employment to public access. Join Jillian Nelson, Policy Director for the Autism Society of Minnesota to learn more about the rights that protect people with autism, how to access those rights and how to seek support if those rights are violated. This session will provide key information and resources and is not meant to provide legal advice or situation specific guidance.