Community Needs Heard - The Autism Society of Minnesota Announces Expanded Services, New Therapists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) November 10, 2011 -- St. Paul, MN, November 03, 2011 -- In response to increased community demand for support of families and individuals who are impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – and to best serve all families throughout the State - the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM), announces the expansion of their Mental Health Services with the addition of two therapists to its staff. These additions will allow AuSM to continue to fulfill its commitment of serving individuals with autism throughout their life span; from children to adults.

Joining AuSM is Meghan Williams, MA, LAMFT, a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and has worked in the ASD community for over 10 years. Williams specializes in working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families living with ASD.

Another addition to the AuSM staff is Tamara Phillips, MA. Phillips has over 20 years of experience in counseling, behavior analysis, early childhood and special education. She specializes in working with children living with ASD and understands the unique challenges and needs of parents, siblings and caregivers.

Currently serving on AuSM’s staff is Dr. Barbra Luskin, PhD, LP, a licensed Psychologist. Luskin is a highly respected psychologist in the community and provides education for Minnesota agencies, caregivers, and therapists on Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dr. Luskin has worked closely with children and adults with ASD for more than 30 years. She specializes in providing both assessment and counseling to individuals with autism with a focus on adults and adolescents.

“Autism presents challenges for individuals and families,” says Luskin. “Finding the right therapist should not be one of them. At AuSM, we understand these needs and can provide families with specialized services to help them overcome challenges, improve daily functioning and achieve a more balanced lifestyle.”

“The percentage of the pop­ulation with ASD is growing at 17% per year in Minnesota alone,” says Sherrie Kenny, Executive Director of AuSM. “Adult diagnosis is also on the rise, with research showing that roughly 1 in 100 adults are on the spectrum. The need for specialized services to support these individuals is also growing. AuSM therapists all have a personal connection to ASD, which allows them to understand and treat the entire spectrum. By expanding, AuSM can now provide these services to children and adults; including parents, spouses, siblings and caregivers.”

Families may obtain more information or schedule an appointment by calling Jane Hubbard, Mental Health Services Manager, at 651-647-1083 x10 or by emailing jhubbard@ausm.org.

Media Note: AuSM Executive Director Sherrie Kenny is available for interviews. Please call 651-647-1083 or email skenny@ausm.org

About AuSM

Dedicated to helping Minnesota children families and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) for over 40 years, the Autism Society of Minnesota is an organization of families, educators, care givers and professionals committed to supporting individuals with ASD. Established in 1971, as the collective voice of the autism community in Minnesota, AuSM has members throughout the state and upper Midwest.

For more information, visit www.AuSM.org.

About Us:
Dedicated to helping Minnesota children families and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) for over 40 years, the Autism Society of Minnesota is an organization of families, educators, care givers and professionals committed to supporting individuals with ASD. Established in 1971, as the collective voice of the autism community in Minnesota, AuSM has members throughout the state and upper Midwest.

Contact :
Nikki Walters
Autism Society of Minnesota
2380 Wycliff Street, #102

St. Paul, MN 55114
651-647-1083 x12
nwalters@ausm.org
http://www.ausm.org

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