I have Asperger spectrum disorder, diagnosed in 2003 (when I was 16). I attend the Autism support group as often as I try. I am quite pleased with the support and advise they give us! They are professional, kind, understanding, smart, and helpful. Barb Luskin is a wonderful help as well as the rest of the staff. I give this place an A+
This place is a gem of a resource and the people associated truly care about their clients.
Have emailed twice once on July 21 and again October 7. My mom emailed August 26 and didn t get a reply either. Good for diagnosing, and I understand it s COVID so maybe things are different now, but this is a time autistic people need more support, not less. I don t understand the point of an online support group when one person emails back saying email this person then that person never replies? Why promote it if no one is going to follow up and send a link to join? Overall frustrating and I get more support from other online groups. It breaks trust and makes it not feel like a safe place when basic things are not done.
Edit: the day I posted this I got a reply, but they did not answer my specific question of how to join or steps to take. I asked the same question again and got no reply again. Have sent another email.
Beyond being the only good location for autism testing in MN this agency serves no good function for the majority of adults with Autism. I was frequently given misleading, false or completely inaccurate information. Sent to other services that either didn't exist or didn't provide the services I was sent there for. Some of their mistakes cost me months of services I needed because of bad advice from this agency.
Other then for testing purposes, I wouldn't recommend anyone use this resource.
AUSM truly gets autism/ASD! They are the real deal -- NOT a bunch of pseudo-experts taking insurance money to shovel b.s. for an hour. Very realistic, practical advice and support!
As a man with Asperger's and excellent qualifications to become a receptionist for this organization, I was horrified at how rudely I was treated by the petulant staff (CEO Jonah Weinberg included!). If they made me feel unwelcome as a prospective employee, I shudder to think how they must treat their clients, many of whom have more severe cases of AS and autism than myself. Perhaps me being so well-versed in this handicap and capable of being a role model for their clients intimidated them? All I know is that they gave the job I interviewed for to someone who knew next to nothing about AS/autism, but was a woman (which all the staff is except the CEO) and thought her degree in counseling made her more qualified than someone like myself who actually has AS. Pathetic!!
I recently moved to Minnesota and am so thrilled to have AuSM as a reliable resource! The staff are extremely friendly, helpful, and can answer pretty much any question related to Autism.
ausm.org
