Woodbury Autism Resources

Photo: Tate Carlson

Behavioral therapist Dan Gaida with student Megan Fiscus on the playground at Minnesota Autism Center in Woodbury.

There is help and hope for children with autism. For reasons unclear, more people than ever before are being diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ASDs are developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.

There are numerous resources in Woodbury for families whose children are on the spectrum. Minnesota Autism Center (MAC) opened its third metro location in Woodbury in May 2010, renovating an out-of-use clinic on City Center Drive to perfectly suit the needs of children with autism. What were once 60 physician offices are now fully equipped therapy rooms for one-on-one therapy sessions serving youth ages two through 21.

Executive director Kathryn Marshall says MAC’s program is data driven and run by skilled mental health professionals. “Progress is individual,” Marshall says. “But all kids are expected to make progress. For example, one three-year-old might be working on better eye contact or the ability to sit still, where another might be working toward six-term responsive sentences and bathroom skills.”

MAC utilizes applied behavioral analysis, incorporating positive reinforcement of desired behaviors and considered an effective treatment of autism. The center has several motivating reinforcement areas for rewarding desired behaviors. There are indoor and outdoor play structures, a sports-themed room with sports equipment, a music room with instruments and a fairy princess room for creative play. There are also large televisions with Wii video gaming systems.

In addition to intensive one-on-one therapy for children, MAC provides a mandatory family skills component for parents. The goal is to teach parents the techniques used by MAC’s specialists.

Chastity and Mike Lewis have been utilizing MAC services for two of their three children for the past five years. Chastity says the required family skills element provides continuity of instruction for her children and equips her and her husband to teach their children with autism necessary skills that allow for a better life. “Before, I always asked the therapist how to resolve challenges with my children,” she says. “Now, I’m confident to do it myself with the tools MAC has provided.”

There is such demand for MAC’s services that the center is currently at capacity. Marshall would like to hire more staff. “If we do our job right,” Marshall says, “kids transfer to home or school, making more room for new kids.”

In addition to clinical therapies like those offered through MAC, many parents benefit from peer support in the Woodbury community. Kristin and Dre Pruitt have a 12-year-old son with autism. Kristin says parenting a child with autism can feel very lonely and isolating. Assuming other parents and caregivers experience similar feelings, she founded Families Living with Autism in April 2011. The group meets 7-8:30 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday at Woodbury/Peaceful Grove United Methodist Church. “It’s an open forum with no judgment and no groaning,” she says. “God gave us these children for a reason, and we want to raise them to be the best that they can be.”

Local schools also play a role in meeting the needs of children with autism. District 833 special education supervisor Erin Metoxen says South Washington County Schools offer a continuum of services based on the needs of each student. “The district’s mission is to ignite a passion for lifelong learning,” Metoxen says. “That same philosophy applies to special education services.”

Lesa and Todd Moss have two children, ages 7 and 5. When seven-year-old Garrett was a toddler, their daycare provider said he wasn’t playing like the other kids. He was assessed by Washington County and provided transportation to special need preschool services at Woodbury Elementary School. “The district program has been fabulous,” Moss says.

 “But when your child is first diagnosed, parents can have grief-like emotions like denial, guilt and anger,” adds Moss. “I’ve learned those feelings are normal and I’m encouraged by guidance offered by other moms with kids on the spectrum.”

Moss’s encounters with other parents help her feel energized and hopeful. She shares that hope through her website, ausomemom.com, and also through classes and a free support group offered by District 833 Community Education that meets 6:30-8:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month through May at East Ridge High School.

More Autism Resources

Ausome Mom

Autism Society of Minnesota

Autism Spectrum Disorder Parent Support Group

(click ‘adult programs’ then ‘parenting’)

Behavior Therapy Solutions of Minnesota, PLLC

Facts About Autism Spectrum Disorders

Families Living with Autism

Family Achievement Center

Minnesota Autism Center

Washington County Autism Resource Guide

(click ‘info for residents’ then ‘developmental disabilities’)

Share this Article

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•