RTAAF C.A.R.E.S.
Created by advocates and families of children with Autism for families who are navigating an Autism diagnosis.
The CARES program is currently supported by a grant from the MN Department of Human Services focused on expanding the program to reach underserved populations throughout Rochester and Southeastern Minnesota.
Community Autism Resource, Education and Support
RTAAF CARES is a 12 week intensive training program primarily designed for parents and caregivers of children who have been diagnosed with autism within the last year. However, all are welcome to attend and the group may include parents/caregivers/
Parents/caregivers meet weekly for 12 weeks. During each weekly session are connected to experts, practitioners and parents/caregivers who can serve as guides in the process of identifying supports and resources aimed at helping their children and them as caregivers thrive in the future.
The cost of CARES is covered by charitable donations and grants, and the group is open to families who live in Southeast Minnesota. Childcare is not available for siblings/other children during each session. CARES groups meet at the RTAAF office, local schools and occasionally the group will visit local centers and offices that provide services, supports and/or resources for children and families navigating an Autism diagnosis. The goal of CARES is to create a safe and confidential setting for parents/caregivers to learn, connect and grow as advocates for their children and for themselves.
Each weekly session is facilitated by CARES Coordinator and/or trained parent leaders who also offer individual consultation and referrals for each participating family. CARES strives to improve the lives of families impacted by Autism by seeking to achieve the following objectives:
1. Helping families gain confidence in their ability to effectively care for and raise their child/children with Autism.
2. Educating families about the resources and supports that are available in their community and throughout Southeastern Minnesota and how to access those resources.
3. Connecting families to professional experts from a variety of disciplines who are available to provide services and support.
4. Educating families about how to advocate for their child/children with autism and how to encourage their children to be their own self-advocates as they grow and develop.
5. Encouraging and helping parents/caregivers to expand their social support network by meeting other parents, professionals, experts and self-advocates who share similar experiences, many of who have/are raising children with a similar diagnosis, often in a similar age range.
Sample Weekly Topics:
-Understanding IFSP, IEPs and Special Education.
-Understanding and managing aggressive or challenging behavior.
-Learning about recreational programs.
-Support for siblings of children with autism.
-Learning about nutrition, diet and challenges associated with feeding.
-Learning more about Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy and how to find and fund these services.
-Learning about County Case Management Services, Medicaid, MA- Tefra, funding, etc.
Sample Guest Speakers:
-Early Childhood Special Education Teacher from Rochester Public Schools
-Disability Advocates from SEMCIL and/or ARC
-Licensed Speech Pathologist
-Occupational Therapist who specialize in ASD and Sensory Processing Disorders
-Board Certified Behavior Analyst or Behavior Specialist
-Music Therapist
-Recreational program coordinator
-Parent/Caregiver Panel
By the end of the program families should:
-Know where to turn for social support.
-Know where to turn for community services.
-Know how and where to connect with other parents/caregivers of children with Autism.
-Feel confident and empowered to make important decisions for their child and family.
-Feel they are prepared, with a set of tools and resources for handling difficult situations in the future.
-Understand that Autism is not a “tragedy” but a new path they will travel with their children and that they are not alone, but on this path with other families navigating similar challenges - and triumphs.
-For more information contact Cares Coordinator, Maggie Baker, carescoordinator@rtaaf.org, 507-251-2016
CARES Program Staff
Maggie Baker- Cares Coordinator | carescoordinator@rtaaf.org
The RT (Reece Trahan) Autism Awareness Foundation is an organization dedicated to making people aware of Autism and the effects it has on individuals and their families.