Taking Authority Over Autism

Staffing agency supports autistic job seekers

Is your adult child with autism aging out of school-based services and needs help landing a job? Sheletta chats with Mindshift Works, a Minnesota-based organization that helps employers find wonderful workers on the spectrum. 
https://mindshift.works/

Need a ride to work? There's an app for that.

If your family lives in Forest Lake, Hastings, or Stillwater and you're having a hard time finding transportation to help your autistic adult child get to work, Sheletta's found an easy solution: Transit Link! She chats with Charles Carlson about the pre-scheduled curb-to-curb on-demand rideshare service that costs only $3.50.
Link: https://metrocouncil.org/Transportation/Services/Transit-Link.aspx
651-602-LINK (5456)

Parents can help to prevent autism fraud

Did you know that you can help prevent autism fraud? Sheletta chats with Minnesota Department of Human Services Inspector General James Clark who talks about ways to guard against it, how to protect your personal information from scammers and what to look out for when choosing an autism service provider. If your child is getting services from someone and something seems off, trust your gut and report it to the MN DHS fraud hotline at 651-431-2650 or 1-800-657-3750 You can also go online mn.gov/dhs/report-fraud.

Fun outdoor camps for the whole family

 Looking for something fun for your high-functioning autistic child to do this summer? The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offers many outdoor skills programs for beginners. From overnight camping trips to fishing lessons, there's bound to be something fun and exciting for your children to enjoy.
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/ican/index.html

Helping victims of sexual violence

If you're looking for an opportunity to help victims of sexual violence, Ramsey County is training volunteers to staff its crisis line. Sheletta chats with Liz De La Torre to find out more about the program.

Help for Hispanic communities in Washington County

With the trauma that the Hispanic community is experiencing with Operation Metro Surge, one organization is working to address mental health, protective factors, and opioid education in a culturally responsive way. Sheletta chats with Karina Kelton of Raices Latinas Minnesota about the programs and services they provide to Washington County residents.
 

Teaching the Teacher

Sheletta chats with Shelley Neilsen Gatti at the University of St Thomas and Annette Lee from St. Paul Public Schools about a really unique program that provides a non traditional program that creates a pathway to get more diverse teachers in the classrooms.

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.