Taking Authority Over Autism

Finding a phone friend for Grandpa!

When Sheletta's father-in-law moved into their home, he felt alone and isolated from his friends. She wishes she had known about Friends & Co. to help him find a phone buddy to chat with to lift his spirits. Featuring Emma Lucchesi from Friends & Co., discussing the ‘Coffee Talk’ program, which connects older adults through meaningful conversation and community. 

Eat right; have a healthier life

Moms with autism oftentimes go without eating. The long days and even longer nights don't lend themselves to a sit down breakfast with the kids. Dinners can be daunting. So how do you get a nutritious, quick meal?  Sheletta found a sweet surprise in the frozen food section at her local Hy-Vee grocery store that allows busy moms to have a tasty treat!

Don't be lax, lock up your cannabis.

Cannabis is legal in Minnesota, but that doesn't mean you should be lax about where you store it. Kids with autism are inquisitive and will reach for things they're not supposed to have. Sheletta talks with her friends in Minneapolis about a program that will give you a bag to lock up your goodies, free of charge, so you can keep your kiddos safe.

Do your part. Save a Life.

Sheletta chats with her friends at Steve Rummler's Hope Network about how folks in Washington County can help provide naloxone to people in need to prevent opioid overdose deaths. 

Housing help in St. Louis Park

 For families in St. Louis Park who need help upgrading their homes but can't afford it, Sheletta tells you about some funding you can tap into to get it done on the latest episode of her autism podcast.

What happens when they get older?

Now, 1 in 34 children in Minnesota has autism, and many school-based programs exist to help meet their needs. But at some point, they'll grow up. What happens when it's 1 in 34 elderly people on the spectrum? What's available for them then? One Minnesota-based organization, Hammer and N.E.R., has a new campaign and hopes to provide the long-term care many parents will be looking for in the future.

Employment help for people with autism

Sheletta chats with her friend Dee Torgerson from the Vocational Rehabilitation Office at Minnesota's Department of Employment and Economic Development about how the program helps people with autism prepare for, find and keep a job. https://mn.gov/deed/job-seekers/disabilities/

Getting your autistic teen to work

As Sheletta's oldest autistic son, Brandon, gets to the age where he can find a job, her biggest challenge is getting him there. She called her friend Barbara Bursack, a mobility manager at GoWashingtonMN.com, to explore safe transportation options and training for him.

Getting your autistic kids active

Sheletta is so excited that her autistic kids are getting active in after school programs like theater and debate team. She's encouraging other parents to take a leap of faith and sign up their high functioning children on the spectrum for extra curricular activities. Up first: The Civics Bee!
www.ymcanorth.org/locations/center_for_youth_voice/programs/national_civics_bee

Mississippi doing better than Minnesota?

There are billboards popping up all over town that say Mississippi students have better reading test scores than children in Minnesota. What in the world? If Mississippi, known for being dead last in education every year, is better than us, what is that saying about our schools? Sheletta's talking to the brilliant brain behind these viral billboards and what conversation he hopes parents will spark with their schools and teachers, especially moms and dads of autistic kiddos.