Resource Directory

Empowering Through Information

The Autism Resource Directory serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals with autism, their families, and advocates. This essential tool covers critical areas including human rights, disability support, individualized education programs (IEPs), self-advocacy, and citizen advocacy. By offering access to vital information and services, the directory equips users with the knowledge and resources needed to effectively address challenges and obtain necessary support

Autism Resource Portal

EXPLORE OUR RESOURCES

ARC OF MN

Arc Minnesota promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

CENTERS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING

We help with disabilities to live independently, and referral, independent living skills training

PARENT ADVOCACY COALITION

Provides Individualized Education Plan (IEP) advocacy and support for parents.

CITIZEN ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES

Provides information, education, and training to build knowledge, develop skills, and change

THE AUTISTIC SELF ADVOCACY NETWORK

Seeks to advance the principles of the disability rights movement with regard to autism.

CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES

Organizations in Minnesota help address the needs of children and youth faced with complex healthcare needs

Service	Related Service	Guide Service	Support Service
Autism Resource Directory	Autism Therapy Services	Autism Resources for Parents	Autism Support Groups
Autism Support Services	ASD Diagnostic Resources	Support for Autistic Adults	Autism Financial Assistance
Autism Spectrum Resources	Autism Educational Support	Autism Services for Children	Autism Advocacy Organizations
ASD Service Providers	Autism Intervention Programs	Family Autism Resources	Autism Medical Specialists
Autism Community Resources	Autism Behavioral Services	Caregiver Autism Support	ASD Transition Services
Autism Support Network	Sensory Processing Resources	Educator Autism Resources	Autism Housing Resources
Autism Assistance Directory	Speech & Occupational Therapy	Professional Autism Network	Autism Employment Support

Service Directory Categories

Therapy Services	Educational Resources	Support Services	Healthcare Providers
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)	Special Education Programs	Respite Care Services	Developmental Pediatricians
Speech-Language Therapy	IEP & 504 Plan Resources	Parent Support Groups	Neurologists
Occupational Therapy	Social Skills Programs	Sibling Support Programs	Child Psychologists
Physical Therapy	Assistive Technology	Family Counseling	Psychiatrists
Music & Art Therapy	Homeschool Resources	Crisis Intervention	Occupational Therapists

Life Stage Support Categories

Early Childhood (0-5)	School Age (6-17)	Transition Age (18-21)	Adult Services (22+)
Early Intervention Programs	School Accommodation Services	College Transition Programs	Adult Independent Living
Developmental Screening	After-School Programs	Vocational Training	Employment Support Services
Parent-Child Therapy	Social Skills Groups	Life Skills Training	Adult Day Programs
Infant Development Services	Specialized Summer Camps	Driving & Transportation	Relationship & Social Support
Preschool Readiness Programs	Sensory-Friendly Activities	Financial Planning	Housing Assistance

our answers

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

Maangaar Global offers a range of specific services for autistic children and their families, with a focus on supporting multicultural communities

Parent Education: Maangaar provides education to empower autistic individuals and their families, offering resources and information to help navigate the challenges of autism.

Support Groups: They host support groups for Somali parents of autistic children, which meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. These groups provide a space for parents to build community and connect with others in similar situations.

Community Conversations: Maangaar organizes community conversations, both intimate and large-scale, to facilitate dialogue and understanding about autism within the Somali community.

Resource Directory: The organization maintains an Autism Resource Directory that includes information on various services such as Autism Therapy Services, Support for Autistic Adults, Autism Educational Support, and Autism Advocacy Organizations.

Cultural and Linguistic Support: Maangaar Global’s services are tailored to the Somali community, with a focus on providing culturally appropriate and linguistically accessible resource

Advocacy: The organization works to bridge gaps in education, advocacy, and community resources for autistic individuals and their families, particularly those from underrepresented communities.

Partnerships: Maangaar collaborates with Minnesota’s mainstream stakeholders to provide feedback and leadership, ensuring that the needs of the Somali autism community are represented

Joining Maangaar Global’s support groups for parents offers several benefits, particularly for Somali families and multicultural communities:
Emotional Support and Understanding: These groups provide a safe space for parents to connect with others who are facing similar challenges, fostering emotional support and understanding. This shared experience helps reduce feelings of isolation and creates a sense of solidarity among participants.

Community Building: By participating in these support groups, parents can build a supportive community that extends beyond the meetings. This network offers a foundation of mutual aid, ensuring that no one feels alone in their journey.

Empowerment Through Advocacy: Support groups empower parents to advocate for their children’s needs and contribute to creating a more inclusive society. This collective voice amplifies their impact on issues affecting their children, promoting autism awareness and acceptance.

Access to Resources: Maangaar Global’s support groups provide access to valuable resources and practical tips on navigating services and accessing developmental disability resources. This includes information on therapies, educational programs, and community services beneficial for children and families.

Cultural and Linguistic Support: Maangaar Global’s focus on the Somali community ensures that support is culturally appropriate and linguistically accessible, addressing the unique needs of multicultural families.

Stress Reduction and Mental Health: Participation in these support groups has been linked to reduced stress levels, improved mental health, and enhanced coping mechanisms, contributing to overall well-being4.

Maangaar Global’s support groups play a crucial role in reducing feelings of isolation for parents of autistic children, particularly within the Somali community. These groups offer several benefits that directly address isolation:

Creating connections: The support groups provide a platform for parents to connect with others facing similar challenges, fostering a sense of community and understanding.
Shared experiences: By allowing parents to share their personal stories, struggles, and successes, the groups create a supportive environment where members feel less alone in their journey.

Cultural sensitivity: Maangaar Global’s focus on the Somali community ensures that the support groups are culturally appropriate and linguistically accessible, addressing the unique needs of multicultural families.

Regular social interaction: The groups meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, offering structured opportunities for social interaction, which is particularly beneficial for those who may struggle to initiate connections outside of these settings.
Stress reduction: Participation in these support groups has been linked to reduced stress levels and improved mental health, contributing to overall well-being.

Safe space: The groups provide a judgment-free environment where parents can openly discuss their challenges and experiences without fear of stigma or misunderstanding.

By addressing these aspects, Maangaar Global’s support groups help parents build a supportive community, share resources, and find emotional support, ultimately reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness associated with raising a child with autism.

Accountability plays a crucial role in Maangaar Global’s support groups, enhancing their effectiveness and impact on the autism community:

Fostering trust and transparency: By promoting accountability, Maangaar Global creates an environment of openness and trust within its support groups. This allows parents to share their experiences and challenges more freely, knowing that others in the group are committed to mutual support and understanding.

Encouraging active participation: Accountability in support groups motivates members to actively engage in discussions, share resources, and follow through on commitments made to the group. This active participation strengthens the support network and enhances the overall value of the group for all members3 6.

Promoting personal growth: By holding each other accountable in a supportive manner, group members can encourage personal growth and development. This can lead to improved coping strategies, better decision-making, and more effective advocacy for their autistic children.

Ensuring cultural sensitivity: Maangaar Global’s focus on multicultural communities, particularly the Somali community, means that accountability within support groups extends to maintaining cultural sensitivity and linguistic accessibility. This ensures that the unique needs of diverse families are respected and addressed3.

Facilitating resource sharing: Accountability within support groups encourages members to share valuable resources, information, and practical tips on navigating services and accessing developmental disability resources. This collective sharing of knowledge benefits all group members.

By incorporating accountability into their support group structure, Maangaar Global creates a more effective and impactful environment for parents of autistic children, fostering a sense of community, shared responsibility, and mutual support.

While the search results do not provide specific information about Maangaar Global’s accountability measures in their support groups, we can infer some general principles that are likely applicable to their approach:

Regular meetings: Maangaar Global’s support groups meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, providing a consistent structure for accountability through regular attendance and participation.

Goal-setting and progress tracking: Support groups likely encourage members to set personal goals related to their children’s care and track progress over time, fostering individual accountability.

Peer support: The group setting allows for peer-to-peer accountability, where members can share their experiences, challenges, and successes, motivating each other to stay committed to their goals.

Cultural sensitivity: Given Maangaar Global’s focus on the Somali community, accountability measures are likely tailored to be culturally appropriate and linguistically accessible.

Feedback mechanisms: The support groups may incorporate anonymous feedback channels for members to provide input on the group’s effectiveness and suggest improvements.

Transparency: Open discussions about challenges and successes within the group can promote a culture of transparency and mutual accountability.

Leadership involvement: Group leaders or facilitators may play a role in measuring and promoting accountability by guiding discussions and ensuring that group objectives are met.

While these points are not specific to Maangaar Global, they represent common practices in support groups that focus on accountability and effectiveness. To get precise information about Maangaar Global’s accountability measures, it would be necessary to contact the organization directly.