Autism Help for Families in Washington County, Minnesota

STILLWATER, Minn. - A new committee in Washington County is trying help families dealing with autism. In 2009, 50 percent of calls to social workers were families in need of services for people with autism.

The committee recently came up with several new resources to give to families in Washington County.

First a resource guide will all available services in the area. Also a community newsletter, talking about social activities and events. Also, new daycare providers were trained and agreed to take on kids with autism. Most stop taking children after age 12.

The new resources have been a relief to mother Denise Steans. Her 9 year old daughter, Kaitlyn, has autism, and Denise was inspired to become a part of the committee, because she doesn't want parents to have to search for help the way she did years ago when Kaitlyn was diagnosed.

"I think its wonderful as a parent," Steans said. "When my child was diagnosed they didn't have anything that was concrete for Washington County, I relied on a statewide database on the internet."

The committee wants to host a resource fair this fall, provide a list of camps for kids with autism, and one day have a booth at the Washington County Fair.