Autism Society of Minnesota
Learn from AuSM Executive Director Ellie Wilson about ASD and how AuSM supports the Autism community
Mon.-Thurs. | 8am to 4:30pm
Fri. | 8am to 4pm
Learn from AuSM Executive Director Ellie Wilson about ASD and how AuSM supports the Autism community
As part of Autism Acceptance Month, Accra spoke with Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) Executive Director Ellie Wilson to answer questions about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and how AuSM supports the local autism community. Read on to learn about ASD and see answers to some of the most common questions about autism.
In 1971, a group of passionate parents founded the Autism Society of Minnesota to seek greater understanding and better school supports for their children with autism. A half-century later, AuSM continues its mission to improve the lives of people with autism, but with an expanded focus along the entire lifespan, from birth through retirement.
Whether you are the parent of a child with a new diagnosis, an adult with autism who needs guidance, an educator or healthcare professional who supports people with autism, or a company that wants to learn more about the talents of people with autism, AuSM offers the resources you need to help you accomplish your goals.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex, life-long developmental disability that affects social interaction, the ability to communicate ideas and feelings, imagination, self-regulation, and the ability to establish relationships with others. Autism is also a spectrum. Individuals have their own unique constellation of traits and their own strengths, preferences, and identities. Different people will have different levels of challenges, and these challenges are based on supports and environment.
In Minnesota, Autism is prevalent in 1 in 44 people. Autism knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance of a person having autism.
People with autism may have challenges with organizational and attention skills; the ability to recognize and understand the thoughts of others and sensory processing. People with autism often rely on routines and schedules, so they can also struggle with change or being flexible. Many people on the spectrum find repeated behaviors – physical, vocal, or otherwise – comforting and useful for emotional regulation. Some people call these behaviors “stims.”
Someone with autism could also have challenges with expressive and receptive language. Expressive language is our ability to communicate our wants, needs, and feelings. Receptive language is our ability to take in information.
AuSM seeks to serve the autism community in five different ways:
As the autism diagnosis rate increases, so too does the need for programs and services to help people with autism thrive. As the state’s oldest nonprofit autism organization, AuSM relies on the generosity of our community to carry out our important mission. 100% of donated dollars stay local, benefitting Minnesota families and individuals touched by autism. You can learn more about AuSM and donate via our website at www.ausm.org.