Autism Information
| People living with the challenges of Autism Spectrum Disorders, you are not alone!
If you have Autism, or if someone you care for is living with it, call people who care and understand. We are here to provide support, education and resource information for individuals, families and professionals.
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Jim, Julie & Michael Shimek
Michael Shimek is 8 years old and has Autism. Michael's mother, Julie Jurgens-Shimek, is a board member of TRCP. She is also a published author/freelance writer on the subject of Autism.
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Autism Coordinator
Hello! My name is Nikki.
I am the Autism Coordinator for The Resource Center Program at West Central Industries! I also work at WCI as a Skills Development Supervisor and Arts Activities Assistant. I also do theatre locally, have toured the nation as an actor and run a theatre for autism program here in West Central MN. I am having a lot of fun with the Resource Center Program and am learning a lot through the families that I have met this year.
Let me know how I can help you in any way.
Nikki Bettcher Erickson
320-231-5310 x 507
nikkibettcher@hotmail.com
Or contact The Resource Center Program
320-235-5310
trcp@wciservices.org
Networking & Support Meetings
The Autism Family Meet-up Group meets monthly at West Central Industries, 1300 SW 22nd St., Willmar, Minnesota — See the Active Lives Events Calendar for dates/times.
Beverages and snacks provided.
Come meet others that share your life experience, let us help with locating helpful resources, and take advantage of our Lending Library as an educational resource.
The group features speakers. We also have scholarships available for workshops, conferences, books, camps, and adaptive technologies.
Event Calendar
Definitions
According to the Autism Society of America…
(http://www.autism-society.org)
"Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first two years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults on the autism spectrum typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities."
Resource Center Help
Social skills groups, peer mentoring and friendship programs, information, support, networking groups, updates about regional happenings, lending library, scholarships... let us know what you need.
Recommended Websites
www.autism-society.org
Autism Society of America -A very helpful site with many great links. This organization holds a very helpful, informative and large national conference every year. 2010's conference will be in Dallas, Texas in July!
www.autismspeaks.org
Autism Speaks -An organization whose mission is to promote research, awareness, advocacy and family services.
www.nationalautismassociation.org
The National Autism Association -"The mission of the National Autism Association is to educate and empower families affected by autism and other neurological disorders, while advocating on behalf of those who cannot fight for their own rights."
www.autismtheatre.org/
ARTRAN - There is a list on this site of Theatre practitioners around the world that work with individuals on the Autism Spectrum. RCP's own Nikki Bettcher Erickson is a practitioner and board member with this world organization!
www.ausm.org
AUSM – The Autism Society of Minnesota - "The Autism Society of Minnesota is our own state chapter that exists to enhance the lives of individuals on the Autism spectrum. They have education, conferences and behavioral services available. There is also information on this site about camps in Minnesota for individuals on the Autism spectrum."
www.pact4.org
PACT 4 Families Collaborative - An organization serving Kandiyohi, Meeker, Renville, and Yellow Medicine counties And located in Willmar, MN. "The PACT 4 Families Collaborative has the vision of healthy and safe communities where individuals, families, and children care and support each other."
www.mnautism.org
Minnesota Autism Center
www.hollandcenter.com
The Holland Center believes that “the pieces of autism can not be treated separately. Holland is a MN autism center and a day treatment clinic for children with autism.”
www.sarnet.org
Schafer Autism Report - “The Most Comprehensive and Most Read Autism Publication - Only Pennies a Day -or- No Cost!”
This is a helpful site for people that want the latest news on Autism research.
www.autism.com
Autism Research Institute - ARI is a research-based website that has many other helpful links and partner websites. It also has helpful information on various supposed triggers of Autism.
www.unlocking autism.org
Unlocking Autisim - I like this site because it is easy to navigate and has a “Parent 2 Parent” network.
www.autismone.org
Autism One - This is a nice site that also has many partner sites and links. There is a nice blog page, helpful and informative videos and groups that members can join by interest category.
www.theautismtrust.com
The Autism Trust - “A Safe Haven for People with Autism”
This site focuses on how individuals with Autism will handle their transition into a successful adulthood. There are not a lot of sites like this and we all need to be thinking about the future of these wonderful individuals.
www.autismtoday.com
Autism Today - This site has almost an overload of information and can be a bit overwhelming. There is a lot of helpful information and there is a free membership at this point.
www.usautism.org
USA Autism & Aspgerger's society - “USAAA is a leading nonprofit organization for education, support, and solutions. Our goal is to "Provide the Opportunity" for individuals with autism spectrum disorders to achieve their fullest potential.”
www.aspergers.com
Asperger’s Disorder Homepage - There are not a lot of sites that focus only on Asperger’s and this is one of them. This is the kind of site I would direct people to that are getting to know you or your family member with Asperger's. There is a helpful Q & A section on the site and a helpful discussion group page as well.
