MAAN Participates in SPHARC Peer-to-Peer Exchange in Madison, Wisconsin
July 15, 2024
Several members and staff of MAAN had the privilege of attending the SPHARC (State Public Health Autism Resource Center) Peer-to-Peer Exchange in Madison, Wisconsin, which started on July 8th 2024.
This event was a fantastic opportunity for us to collaborate with other professionals and advocates dedicated to improving the transition from youth to adulthood for autistic individuals.
We were invited to be part of an esteemed team representing the state of Minnesota. Our team included individuals from the Minnesota Department of Health, the University of Minnesota's Institute on Community Integration, and MAAN. The exchange provided a rich platform to learn from the initiatives and programs being developed in other states, fostering a collective effort to support autistic young people.
During the exchange, we were inspired by a variety of sessions and activities. Highlights included:
Transition Initiatives:
We explored different state programs focused on aiding autistic youth in their transition to adulthood. The insights and strategies shared by various states will significantly inform our efforts back in Minnesota.
Panel of Autistic Young Adults:
Hearing directly from autistic young adults was a powerful experience. Their perspectives and stories highlighted the challenges they face and the successes they have achieved, providing us with a deeper understanding and renewed motivation to support their journeys.
Parent-to-Parent Advocate Training Programs:
We learned about effective training programs designed for parent-to-parent advocates. These programs are crucial in empowering parents to support one another and advocate for their children’s needs.
Our Presentation on Centering Joy:
One of the most exciting moments for us was the opportunity to present on our initiative, "Centering Joy: A Family Camp for Families of Autistic Children in the Somali and Oromo Communities." Sharing our work and seeing the interest and positive feedback from other attendees was incredibly rewarding.
We returned from the conference energized, excited, and equipped with a wealth of new connections and ideas. Representing Minnesota at such a prestigious event was an honor, and we are eager to implement the new strategies and collaborations we formed during the exchange.
As we move forward, we remain committed to our mission of supporting autistic individuals and their families, particularly within the Somali and Oromo communities. The knowledge and inspiration gained from the SPHARC Peer-to-Peer Exchange will undoubtedly enhance our programs and advocacy efforts.
For more information about SPHARC and their initiatives, visit spharc.amchp.org
Columbia Heights, MN. The Multicultural Autism Action Network (MAAN) is honored to announce the release of a groundbreaking video aimed at raising awareness and understanding of elopement in autistic children. This informative video, titled "Understanding Elopement: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers of Autistic Children," is now available through MAAN’s YouTube channel in Somali, Oromo, Amharic, and English. Somali: https://youtu.be/loR9XppfwhA?si=UqIvQuJubuwdAhTY Oromo: https://youtu.be/M2AYwMSRorg?si=yWM3NksP52bWqL90 Amharic: https://youtu.be/L1cZmChBzLg?si=AJ4KWicQvnfl-CbV English: https://youtu.be/h85UxLe8ZhE?si=k1Tk0L59wEWy1GN1 Elopement, or wandering, is a common behavior among autistic children, often leading to dangerous situations and increased anxiety for families. The video helps families understand causes of elopement and offers practical strategies to help parents and caregivers navigate this challenging issue. “Our community is heartbroken over the loss of life of autistic children due to elopement and drowning. If we can help even one family better understand the issue and feel empowered to prevent it, we feel compelled to do so” reported Fatima Molas, MAAN’s Co-Founder. “The video aims not only to educate but also to empower families and caregivers, helping them to feel less isolated and better informed” stated Delia Samuel, MAAN Co-Founder. “As parents of autistic children ourselves, we want to share knowledge that can lead to proactive measures in preventing elopement and ensuring the safety of our children.” We encourage families, educators, and community members to share this resource widely to help raise awareness about elopement in autistic children. About the Multicultural Autism Action Network: The Multicultural Autism Action Network (MAAN, which is the Somali word for “mind”), is a non-profit organization founded by parents of autistic children in multicultural communities. Our mission is to share knowledge, education, and support to families of children with disabilities in multicultural communities resulting in better outcomes for our kids. For more information about the video or to request interviews with the creators, please contact Maren Christenson Hofer Executive Director Multicultural Autism Action Network. Office: 612 470 7003 Mobile: 612 701 5030 (txt preferred) Email: info@maanmn.org
Both clinics were a huge success and the program was even featured on KARE 11 News. View the coverage below...
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