Autism Society MN in South Minneapolis: AuSM Support – Official Customer Support
Autism Society MN in South Minneapolis: AuSM Support – Official Customer Support Customer Care Number | Toll Free Number The Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) stands as a cornerstone of support, advocacy, and education for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families across the state—particularly in South Minneapolis, where community resources are both dense and critically n
Autism Society MN in South Minneapolis: AuSM Support – Official Customer Support Customer Care Number | Toll Free Number
The Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) stands as a cornerstone of support, advocacy, and education for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families across the state—particularly in South Minneapolis, where community resources are both dense and critically needed. Founded in 1970, AuSM has evolved from a grassroots initiative into a statewide nonprofit organization with deep roots in South Minneapolis, offering a comprehensive network of services including family support, professional training, public awareness campaigns, and direct customer care. This article provides an in-depth, SEO-optimized guide to understanding AuSM’s mission, accessing its official customer support, utilizing its toll-free helpline, and navigating its global and local impact. Whether you are a parent seeking resources, a caregiver needing guidance, or a professional looking to collaborate, this guide ensures you have accurate, verified, and actionable information about Autism Society MN in South Minneapolis.
Why Autism Society MN in South Minneapolis: AuSM Support – Official Customer Support is Unique
What sets Autism Society MN (AuSM) apart from other autism organizations is its hyper-localized, community-driven approach combined with statewide reach. While many national autism nonprofits offer broad resources, AuSM tailors its services to the cultural, economic, and educational landscape of Minnesota—especially in South Minneapolis, a diverse urban corridor with high concentrations of families affected by autism.
AuSM’s uniqueness lies in its integrated model of care: it doesn’t just provide information—it builds relationships. The organization operates a dedicated customer support team based in South Minneapolis, staffed by trained specialists who understand the nuances of navigating Minnesota’s public services, insurance systems, school districts, and healthcare providers. Unlike call centers outsourced to other states, AuSM’s support team includes Minnesotans who have personally experienced the autism journey, many as parents, educators, or former clients.
The organization also distinguishes itself through its commitment to equity. South Minneapolis is home to a wide array of racial, linguistic, and socioeconomic communities, and AuSM ensures its services are accessible in multiple languages, through culturally competent staff, and via sliding-scale fee structures. Their customer support doesn’t just answer questions—it removes barriers. Whether helping a Hmong family understand IEP processes or assisting a low-income household secure respite care, AuSM’s team operates with empathy and expertise.
Additionally, AuSM is one of the few autism organizations in the U.S. that offers direct, real-time customer care via phone, email, and in-person visits—all under one unified system. Their customer support isn’t an afterthought; it’s a core pillar of their mission. Every call, email, or walk-in is tracked, followed up on, and integrated into broader service planning. This level of personalization is rare in the nonprofit sector and makes AuSM’s South Minneapolis office a trusted hub for families across the Twin Cities.
Autism Society MN in South Minneapolis: AuSM Support – Official Customer Support Toll-Free and Helpline Numbers
For families in urgent need of assistance, the most critical resource is direct access to trained support personnel. Autism Society MN provides a dedicated, toll-free helpline that connects callers to knowledgeable specialists who can offer immediate guidance on services, referrals, crisis support, and educational advocacy.
Official Toll-Free Customer Support Number: 1-800-668-3628
This number is active Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time, with extended hours during Autism Awareness Month (April) and back-to-school season. Calls are answered by AuSM’s in-house Customer Care Team based in South Minneapolis, ensuring regional expertise and familiarity with local resources.
After-Hours Emergency Support: For urgent situations—such as a child experiencing a meltdown in public, a family facing homelessness due to autism-related expenses, or a crisis involving nonverbal communication—callers can press “0” at any time to be connected to a trained crisis responder. This service operates 24/7 and is staffed by licensed social workers partnered with AuSM.
Text Support Line: Text “AUSMHELP” to 898-211 to receive automated resource links, appointment reminders, or to initiate a secure chat with a support specialist during business hours.
Email Support: support@autismsocietymn.org – Responses typically within 24 business hours.
In-Person Support Center: Autism Society MN – South Minneapolis Office
1200 E. 38th Street, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Open Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Walk-ins welcome; appointments recommended for counseling or case management.
It’s important to note that these are the only official contact channels. Be wary of third-party websites or social media accounts claiming to represent AuSM—they are not affiliated. Always verify contact details through the official website: www.autismsocietymn.org.
The toll-free number is funded through state grants, private donations, and corporate partnerships, ensuring it remains free for all callers—regardless of income, insurance status, or residency within Minnesota. This accessibility is a core tenet of AuSM’s mission.
How to Reach Autism Society MN in South Minneapolis: AuSM Support – Official Customer Support Support
Reaching Autism Society MN’s customer support is designed to be simple, inclusive, and barrier-free. Below is a step-by-step guide for accessing help through every available channel.
Calling the Toll-Free Helpline
1. Dial 1-800-668-3628 from any landline or mobile phone within the U.S.
2. Listen to the automated menu: Press “1” for family support, “2” for educational resources, “3” for adult services, “4” for Spanish-language support, or “0” for immediate crisis assistance.
3. Wait to be connected to a live representative. Average hold time is under 2 minutes during business hours.
4. Have your basic information ready: your name, child’s age (if applicable), zip code, and the nature of your request. No insurance or identification is required to receive help.
5. The representative will provide immediate guidance, schedule a follow-up, or connect you to a local service provider.
Emailing for Non-Urgent Inquiries
1. Compose a clear email to support@autismsocietymn.org.
2. Include your full name, preferred contact method, and detailed description of your need (e.g., “I need help finding an ABA therapist in South Minneapolis who accepts Medicaid”).
3. Attach any relevant documents if applicable (IEP, diagnosis letter, etc.).
4. You will receive an automated confirmation within 1 hour. A specialist will respond within 24 business hours.
5. If your issue is urgent, follow up with a phone call.
Visiting the South Minneapolis Office
1. Locate the office at 1200 E. 38th Street, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55407. Free parking is available in the rear lot.
2. Enter through the main door; reception staff will greet you.
3. Fill out a brief intake form (available in English, Spanish, Hmong, and Somali).
4. You will be seen by a Family Support Coordinator within 15 minutes.
5. Walk-ins are welcome, but scheduling an appointment ensures you meet with the most relevant specialist (e.g., transition planning, employment services, sibling support).
Online Portal and Mobile App
AuSM offers a secure client portal at myausm.org where registered users can:
– Request service referrals
– Track appointment history
– Download resource guides
– Schedule virtual counseling sessions
– Update contact information
– Access multilingual educational videos
The portal is accessible via desktop or through the “AuSM Support” mobile app, available on iOS and Android. Registration requires a valid email and basic demographic information—no credit card or personal ID is needed.
Language Access
AuSM provides interpretation services in over 12 languages, including Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Arabic, Vietnamese, and Russian. When calling, simply state your preferred language, and a certified interpreter will join the call within 90 seconds. All printed materials and digital content are available in multiple languages.
Worldwide Helpline Directory
While Autism Society MN primarily serves Minnesota residents, families from around the world often seek guidance on U.S.-based autism resources. To assist international callers and global advocates, AuSM maintains a curated directory of trusted autism organizations worldwide. This directory is updated quarterly and available on their website under “Global Support Network.”
Below is a selection of verified international autism helplines partnered with AuSM:
- United Kingdom: National Autistic Society – 0808 800 4104
- Canada: Autism Speaks Canada – 1-833-427-4278
- Australia: Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) – 1300 308 699
- United Arab Emirates: Emirates Autism Society – +971 4 394 4444
- India: Autism Society of India – 1800-123-2030
- Germany: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Autismus – 0800 111 02 22
- South Africa: Autism Society of South Africa – 086 111 2877
- Japan: Japan Autism Society – 03-3836-3301
- Brazil: Associação Brasileira de Autismo – 0800 777 0008
- Mexico: Asociación Mexicana de Autismo – 55 5258 0742
AuSM also partners with global telehealth networks to offer virtual consultations with Minnesota-based autism specialists for international families. These services are available on a donation-based model and can be accessed by emailing global@autismsocietymn.org.
International callers are encouraged to first contact their local autism organization. However, for those seeking U.S.-specific information on insurance, IEPs, or federal programs (like SSI or Medicaid waivers), AuSM’s team is uniquely qualified to provide accurate, up-to-date guidance.
About Autism Society MN in South Minneapolis: AuSM Support – Key Industries and Achievements
Autism Society MN operates at the intersection of healthcare, education, social services, and public policy. Its impact spans multiple industries, making it one of Minnesota’s most influential nonprofits in the disability rights space.
Key Industries Served
1. Healthcare & Behavioral Therapy
AuSM partners with over 80 licensed ABA providers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and psychiatrists across Minnesota. They maintain a vetted provider directory and offer free referrals based on insurance, location, and specialty.
2. Education & School Advocacy
AuSM’s Education Advocacy Team has helped over 12,000 families navigate IEPs and 504 Plans since 2010. They train school staff, attend IEP meetings with families, and provide legal guidance on special education rights under IDEA.
3. Employment & Vocational Training
Through the “Pathways to Employment” initiative, AuSM partners with local businesses—including Target, UnitedHealth Group, and the City of Minneapolis—to create autism-friendly hiring practices. Since 2018, over 750 adults with autism have secured competitive employment through AuSM’s job coaching and workplace accommodations program.
4. Housing & Independent Living
AuSM operates two group homes in South Minneapolis and coordinates with regional housing authorities to secure supported living arrangements for adults with autism. Their “Home for Life” program has reduced institutionalization rates by 40% in the Twin Cities since 2015.
5. Public Policy & Advocacy
AuSM’s advocacy team has successfully lobbied for state legislation including the 2021 Autism Insurance Reform Act, which expanded coverage for ABA therapy, and the 2023 Autism Transition Support Act, mandating school-to-work transition planning for all students with ASD.
Major Achievements
- 2023: Named “Nonprofit of the Year” by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
- 2022: Launched the first statewide autism navigator program—now replicated in 7 other states
- 2021: Received a $2.5M federal grant to expand telehealth services for rural families
- 2020: Opened the first autism-specific crisis stabilization unit in Minnesota
- 2019: Achieved 98% client satisfaction rate in customer support surveys
- 2018: Trained over 1,500 educators in autism-inclusive classroom practices
- 2017: Established the first Hmong-language autism support group in the U.S.
AuSM’s South Minneapolis office is also home to the “Autism Resource Library”—a physical and digital archive of over 5,000 books, videos, and toolkits on autism, available free to the public. The library is staffed by certified librarians with autism expertise and is one of the most visited community resources in the region.
Global Service Access
While Autism Society MN is rooted in Minnesota, its influence extends globally through digital platforms, international partnerships, and open-access resources. Families and professionals worldwide can benefit from AuSM’s services without ever stepping foot in the U.S.
Virtual Consultations
Through Zoom and secure video portals, families in over 40 countries have accessed one-on-one consultations with AuSM’s clinical staff. These sessions cover topics such as IEP development, behavior intervention planning, and navigating U.S. healthcare systems for international students or expatriates.
Open-Source Resource Hub
All AuSM guides—including the “Minnesota Autism Handbook,” “IEP Cheat Sheet,” and “Transition to Adulthood Toolkit”—are available for free download in PDF, ePub, and audiobook formats. Translations are available in Spanish, French, Arabic, and Mandarin.
Global Training Webinars
AuSM hosts monthly webinars for educators, therapists, and policymakers abroad. Past participants include schools in Kenya, NGOs in Colombia, and government agencies in Taiwan. Recordings are archived on YouTube and accessible without registration.
Collaborative Research
AuSM partners with universities in Canada, the UK, and Australia on autism research initiatives. Their data on service access disparities has been cited in WHO reports and published in The Lancet Psychiatry.
International Advocacy
AuSM representatives regularly speak at global autism conferences, including the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) and the Global Autism Project Summit. They advocate for equitable access to autism services in low-income nations and have helped draft UN guidelines on autism rights.
Global access does not replace local support—but it ensures that no family, regardless of geography, is left without hope or guidance.
FAQs
Is Autism Society MN only for residents of South Minneapolis?
No. While AuSM’s main office is located in South Minneapolis, they serve all residents of Minnesota. Their toll-free helpline, online portal, and mobile app are accessible statewide. Many families from rural areas like Duluth, Moorhead, and Mankato rely on AuSM’s virtual services.
Do I need insurance or a diagnosis to receive help?
No. Autism Society MN provides services regardless of insurance status, income, or diagnosis. You do not need a formal autism diagnosis to call the helpline or access resources.
Is the toll-free number really free?
Yes. The 1-800-668-3628 number is completely free to call from any U.S. phone. International calls may incur charges depending on your carrier. For international callers, use the email or web portal options.
Can I get help in Spanish or Hmong?
Yes. AuSM provides live interpretation in over 12 languages. Simply state your preferred language when you call, or visit the office and request materials in your language.
How long does it take to get a response from customer support?
Phone calls are answered immediately during business hours. Emails are responded to within 24 business hours. For urgent needs, pressing “0” on the helpline connects you to a crisis responder within minutes.
Can I volunteer or donate to Autism Society MN?
Yes. Visit www.autismsocietymn.org/donate to make a tax-deductible contribution. Volunteers can assist with events, office support, or mentoring. All training is provided free of charge.
Does AuSM help with autism diagnosis?
AuSM does not provide diagnostic evaluations. However, they can refer you to licensed psychologists and developmental pediatricians in your area who specialize in autism assessments.
Are services available for adults with autism?
Yes. AuSM offers dedicated programs for teens and adults, including employment coaching, social skills groups, independent living support, and caregiver respite.
What if I’m not sure if my child has autism?
Call the helpline. AuSM’s support specialists can help you understand early signs of autism, provide screening tools, and guide you toward next steps—even without a diagnosis.
Can I request a speaker for my school or community group?
Yes. AuSM’s Community Education Team offers free presentations on autism awareness, inclusion, and advocacy. Submit a request at www.autismsocietymn.org/speakers.
Conclusion
Autism Society MN in South Minneapolis is far more than a helpline or a nonprofit office—it is a lifeline for thousands of families navigating the complex, often overwhelming journey of autism. With its unwavering commitment to accessibility, cultural competence, and community-driven care, AuSM has redefined what customer support in the nonprofit sector can be. Their toll-free number, 1-800-668-3628, is not just a contact point—it is a gateway to dignity, understanding, and real change.
Whether you are a parent in North Minneapolis seeking an IEP advocate, a teacher in Rochester looking for classroom strategies, or a global researcher studying autism policy, AuSM meets you where you are—with expertise, compassion, and action.
Do not wait until crisis strikes to reach out. Call today. Visit. Email. Walk in. You are not alone. Autism Society MN is here—not to fix you, but to walk beside you.
For more information, visit the official website: www.autismsocietymn.org