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!
Rooted Workshop Series: Courageous Conversations for Black Parents Raising Autistic Children
Courageous Conversations for Black Parents Raising Autistic Children
Our Stories. Our Strength.
ROOTED is a four part workshop series designed to create a welcoming space where Black parents and caregivers of autistic children can connect, learn, and grow together. Through meaningful conversations led by Black parents, professionals, and community leaders, the series explores the unique experiences of raising an autistic child while navigating the intersection of race, culture, and disability.
Dates of Workshop Sessions:
- Part 1: September 23rd 2026
- Part 2: November 18th 2026
- Part 3: February 24th, 2027
- Part 4: April 28th 2027
Each workshop centers the voices and lived experiences of Black families while providing practical information, strategies, and resources to support everyday life. Topics will vary throughout the series and may include advocacy, education, navigating schools and healthcare, family well being, identity, building community, and other priorities identified by participants.
Resources and Supports
Black Parents of Children with Autism Support Group
Black 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.