Minnesota Autism Resource Portal

09/01/2026

On Sept. 30, join the online workshop, “Growing Together: Using Charting the LifeCourse to Partner with Your IEP Team.” Developed by parents, Charting the LifeCourse offers tools to help you and your child plan, communicate, and problem-solve about what is important to them—their needs, goals, and dreams—and center them in any plans for school and life. This session helps you plan with your child’s individualized education program (IEP) team at school. 9-10:30 am CT. Register at https://z.umn.edu/bj2n

08/12/2026

Our final interactive session to gather feedback on draft licensing standards for EIDBI providers is Wednesday, Aug. 12, in Duluth. Input from providers, families, advocates and community members is important!

Follow the link in comments to:
* Register to attend the Duluth session
* Read the draft standards
* Provide feedback online

Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) is a covered service for Minnesotans under age 21 with autism spectrum disorder and related conditions enrolled in Minnesota Health Care Programs.

07/21/2026

Swimming lessons may now be covered through Family Training!

Effective immediately, the Family Training service may cover adaptive or one-on-one swimming lessons for individuals who are at a high risk of drowning due to their disability.

Swimming skills can be an important part of safety and independence, and this update helps make those supports more accessible for eligible families.

To learn more about:
✅ Eligibility
✅ Covered services
✅ Documentation requirements
✅ Provider qualifications

Refer to CBSM – Family Training and Counseling https://bit.ly/4fmdbqM for complete guidance.

Please share this information with families and providers who may benefit from this important update!

07/15/2026

Our Parent Support Navigators have created many resources for families using lived experience.

Here is an example of a resource on how to partner with your child's health care team.

Access this document at: https://familyvoicesofminnesota.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Tips-and-Tools-for-parents-1.24.pdf.

And remember- YOU are an important part of the healthcare team!

07/15/2026

Our next in-person session for public comment on draft licensing standards for EIDBI providers is from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, in Bloomington. We're seeking input from providers, families, advocates and community members.

Feedback received will help inform final recommended licensing standards, which are due to the Minnesota Legislature in January 2027.

🔗Follow the link in comments to:
* Read the draft standards
* Register to attend an in-person or virtual feedback session
* Submit your feedback online.

Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) is a covered service for Minnesotans under age 21 with autism spectrum disorder and related conditions enrolled in Minnesota Health Care Programs.

07/01/2026

🎆 Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸

As families prepare to celebrate the upcoming holiday weekend, it's a great time to think ahead about ways to keep everyone safe while making the most of the festivities.

For many autistic individuals, Fourth of July celebrations can bring unique challenges due to loud noises, large crowds, changes in routine, and increased water activities. A little planning can help everyone have a safer and more enjoyable holiday.

💦 Water Safety
-Always provide close, active supervision around pools, lakes, and splash pads.
-Consider U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when appropriate, especially around open water.
-If your loved one is prone to wandering, make sure everyone knows who is responsible for supervision.

🎇 Fireworks & Sensory Considerations
-Prepare for loud noises by bringing noise-canceling headphones or earplugs.
-Watch fireworks from a greater distance if possible or enjoy a community display from inside a vehicle or home if that feels more comfortable.
-Let your loved one know what to expect using pictures, videos, or a visual schedule before the event.

Identify a quiet space where they can take a break if things become overwhelming.

❤️ Additional Tips
-Keep favorite comfort items, snacks, and water readily available.
-Dress in bright or easily identifiable clothing if attending crowded events.
-Review your family's safety plan before heading out, especially if your loved one is at risk of wandering.

Most importantly, remember that every person experiences celebrations differently. It's okay to modify traditions or leave early if that's what helps your family have a positive holiday.

For more tips and safety planning resources, visit the MN Autism Resource Portal https://mn.gov/autism/supports/safety/

06/19/2026

Help shape licensing standards for Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) providers serving children with autism spectrum disorder and related conditions in Minnesota.

We’re seeking feedback from providers, families, advocates and community members to help develop comprehensive EIDBI licensing standards required by the Minnesota Legislature.

Visit mn.gov/dhs/EIDBIpubliccomment for details on in-person, virtual and online options for submitting feedback. We’re collecting feedback through Aug. 31.

04/16/2026