Resources
Here are different tools and resources for families to help them navigate neurodiversity and the community better.
Parent-Led Support Group
Meet people with similar experiences, grow connections, share ideas, and seek support. Join the parent-led support group for parents/caregivers of children who have ASD, ADHD, PTSD, or behavioral challenges. An adult-only event. No childcare is provided.
For additional questions, please contact:
- Megan Graten: henschelme@gmail.com
- Michelle Dumas: michelle.dumas@outlook.com
The event takes place at Empowering Kids but it is not an Empowering Kids sponsored event.
Welcome to the Autism Community
The authors of “Welcome to the Autism Community” wrote a book for autistic people who want to learn what being autistic means. They hope that it will help you understand autism better, and answer some questions you have about autism. They also want non-autistic people to read the book. It can show you how to make life better for autistic people.
Click here to read the book or view other resources!
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network seeks to advance the principles of the disability rights movement with regard to autism. ASAN believes that the goal of autism advocacy should be a world in which autistic people enjoy equal access, rights, and opportunities. We work to empower autistic people across the world to take control of our own lives and the future of our common community, and seek to organize the autistic community to ensure our voices are heard in the national conversation about us. Click here to view more resources and see their work.
Autism Level UP!
Autism Level UP! is an autistic-allistic partnership leveling UP! society. They encourage people to take the next step in their journey in supporting autistic people. Their website is full of tools, resources, and media clips. Click here to view more.
Sesame Street and Autism
Sesame Street has a lot of different resources for parents. They have videos for children with autism or for siblings/cousins/friends to explain autism. They even have a character on the show that has autism. Click here to to go their website.
What is Autism?
The team at NeuroClastic spent millions of hours interacting with other Autistics and those who work with and love autistic people to map out autistic lived experiences from the inside and outside. Their webpage gives you a brief overview of where they are, currently, with answering the “What is autism?” question. Click here to learn more.
What is AuDHD?
Autism and ADHD often go hand-in-hand. What’s it like to have ‘AuDHD’? Click here to read more.
How to ADHD
Have ADHD? Know someone with ADHD? This YouTube channel is an ADHD toolbox – a place full of strategies Jessica has learned about having and living with ADHD. Click here to view the channel!
NeuroClastic - The Autism Spectrum According to Autistic People
NeuroClastic is a collective of Autistic people responsive to the evolving needs and trajectory of the Autistic community. They publish autistic voices from a wide variety of contributors to catalog the autistic experience. Click here to view more.
Why DIRFloortime?
Empowering Kids was created as a non-profit, offering social-recreational services before we offered EIDBI services.
When deciding which of the five support service models we wanted to use, we researched them all. We looked at each model and how they fit with our mission, vision, and ideals for services. We knew we wanted a model that prioritized relationships, because they are the foundation for safe and supported growth and development. We believe that we are partners with our clients and their families in our services and we knew the model should reflect that as well.
Finally, we wanted to make sure that any model we chose could be used in a way that was respectful of the client’s individuality. It needed to support them to be their wonderfully, unique neurodivergent selves and not only survive but thrive while navigating a neurotypical world that was not made for how their brain works.
Through our search, we realized DIRFloortime fit this criteria and we are excited to offer this unique support model to our community.
DIRFloortime Guide
Affect Autism has put together a great introduction and resources as a guide to relating and engaging with your child using DIR model and Floortime.
What is AuDHD?
Autism and ADHD often go hand-in-hand. What’s it like to have ‘AuDHD’? Click here to read more.
Community Resources
Here are some local organizations that provide sensory-friendly opportunities.
Schiller’s House
Schiller’s House is offering sensory-friendly haircuts once a month! Here are some videos to help assist individuals. Please fill out this form to help the stylist understand the individual’s needs.
Perham Area Public Library
We’ve partnered with the Perham Area Public Library on creating some events, visuals, and resources on how to use the library.
Sensory Kits
Check out one of the sensory kits to make time at the library more comfortable. They are available at all times, but must be returned upon leaving the library.
Library Social Story
Read through this Going to the Library social story to help your child understand what to expect from their visit.