Alexis Dagit 
A Conversation About Autism Support, Family Trust, and What Comes Next At MAC Midwest, we believe meaningful autism support starts by listening to families and individuals with lived experience. In a recent episode of Taking Authority Over Autism, our CEO, Chris Bent, joined host Sheletta Brundage — widely known as Minnesota’s Autism Mom — for … Read more
Partnership to Explore AI-Supported Skill Building for Individuals with Autism Minnetonka, MN – MAC Midwest and Ama AI have announced a collaborative pilot partnership to explore how assistive artificial intelligence can support individuals with autism in practicing and generalizing everyday life skills across home, school, and community settings. The pilot brings together MAC Midwest’s transdisciplinary … Read more
As winter settles in across the Midwest, many families notice changes not just in routines, but in how everyday experiences feel. Cold air, snow, holiday activities, and shifts in schedules can all bring new sensory input. For individuals with neurodevelopmental differences, these changes can feel especially intense. This guide is meant to help families notice, … Read more
By: MAC Midwest Breaking Barriers: Employment and Disability October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” is a powerful reminder that when we create inclusive workplaces, everyone benefits. At MAC Midwest, inclusion is … Read more
By: MAC Midwest MAC Midwest Youth Advisory Board Launching January 2026 We believe the best programs are built with young people, not just for them. That is why we are thrilled to announce the launch of the MAC Midwest Youth Advisory Board (YAB) — a new volunteer group created to empower youth voices, strengthen our … Read more
By: Jen Diederich, MA, BCaBA Understanding the Extinction Burst: Why Things Sometimes Get Worse Before They Get Better Have you ever noticed that when you try to change something, it can feel like the problem suddenly gets bigger instead of smaller? This is true for all kinds of human behavior. A toddler cries in the … Read more
“Every life has worth, every story matters, and no one should walk this journey alone.” By: MAC Midwest You Are Not Alone: September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to pause and shine a light on one of the most important parts of mental health: keeping each other … Read more
A new consensus definition for profound autism, introduced at INSAR 2025, aims to ensure families with the highest support needs are included in research. By: MAC Midwest At MAC Midwest, we believe every story matters. Yet too often, the voices of individuals with the most significant support needs are missing from autism research. When those … Read more
“Small steps now can make the first day feel like a big win.” By Jaime Larry, Mental Health Professional, MAC Midwest A Gentle Start to the School Year The night before school starts can be filled with excitement, anticipation, and big emotions. For many autistic learners and their families, those feelings often begin long before … Read more
“Everyone should feel recognized, valued, and uplifted for exactly who they are.” By MAC Midwest Belonging isn’t just a feeling. It’s a right. This year’s Disability Pride Month theme, We belong here. We are here to stay, is more than a message. It’s a movement. It affirms that people with disabilities are essential members of … Read more
A Family Resource on Early Communication By MAC Midwest This blog was developed in partnership with MAC Midwest’s SLP team, a group of licensed speech-language pathologists dedicated to helping learners grow their communication skills with compassion and expertise. “My child isn’t using words. Should I be worried?” This is one of the most common concerns … Read more
Introducing a New Chapter of Leadership at MAC Midwest By Andrea Vasquez MBA, LICSW | Chief Operating Officer Leadership isn’t just a role. It is a responsibility to listen, adapt, and lead with purpose. As we continue to grow, we are reimagining what leadership looks like and where it happens. We are excited to introduce … Read more
A Legislative Update from Chris Bent By MAC Midwest Dear MAC Midwest Community, This past week has been one of heartbreak and reflection for many of us here at MAC Midwest and across Minnesota. We were deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the serious injuries sustained … Read more
Honoring the Intersection of Autism and LGBTQIA+ Identity at MAC Midwest By Jaime Larry, MSW, LICSW, Director of QSP Services At MAC Midwest, we believe every individual deserves to feel truly seen. For who they are and how they experience the world. That means creating a space where people feel safe, supported, and valued across … Read more
Helping families feel confident, prepared, and supported all summer long. By Jaime Larry, MSW, LICSW, Director of QSP Services As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, many of us look forward to more time spent outdoors. But for families of children with autism and others with increased safety awareness needs, summer also brings … Read more
Supporting Your Child Through Co-Regulation: The Foundation for Emotional Growth By MAC Midwest When raising a child with autism or other developmental needs, one of the biggest challenges families face is helping their child learn how to regulate emotions. Meltdowns, anxiety, frustration, and sensory overload are common experiences for many children on the autism spectrum. … Read more
Exploring the connection between meaningful activity and emotional wellbeing. By MAC MidwestThis piece was developed in collaboration with Clare Koezly Escobar, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, Lead ) Occupational Therapist at MAC Midwest As we reflect on Occupational Therapy Month in April and Mental Health Acceptance Month in May, it is a powerful time to recognize how … Read more
Where Policy Meets Purpose: MAC Midwest’s Spring Advocacy in Action By MAC Midwest At MAC Midwest, we do more than provide services. We work to protect access to them. This spring, that commitment is taking us beyond the therapy room and into the legislative arena, where important decisions are still being made about the future … Read more
Why mental health matters for our clients, our staff, and our community—this month and every month By Jaime Larry, Director of QSP Services, MAC Midwest May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year, we are reminded more than ever that mental health is a global issue. It is not just a Minnesota issue. It … Read more
A Look Back at Autism Acceptance Month and the Community That Shows Up By MAC Midwest At MAC Midwest, Autism Acceptance is not confined to a single month. It is part of everything we do. You will find it in every center, every therapy session, every family conversation, and every step we take alongside the … Read more
A National Snapshot: The CDC’s Latest Autism Prevalence Report By Leslie Chaplin, PhD, MSW, LICSW, Chief Clinical Officer at MAC Midwest In April 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released its most recent report through the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. The data reflect ongoing increases in the prevalence of autism … Read more
Small steps. Big breakthroughs. Your commitment makes it possible. This Autism Acceptance Month, help us celebrate the everyday moments that make real, meaningful change possible for our learners and families. April is Autism Acceptance Month — a time to reflect, celebrate, and recommit. At MAC Midwest, we measure that progress in small victories. Sometimes, it … Read more
How NGT Builds Inclusive Teams that Embrace Neurodivergence Autism isn’t one-size-fits-all. For Autism Acceptance Month, MAC Midwest is celebrating the full spectrum — including individuals who may never need therapy services but still benefit from a world that embraces the way they think, work, and communicate. One company doing just that is Next Generation Technologies … Read more
At MAC Midwest, we believe that every individual deserves therapy that is not only effective but also compassionate and trauma-informed. That’s why we employ the Happy, Relaxed, and Engaged (HRE) approach throughout all of our ABA therapy programs. This progressive model prioritizes the well-being of each learner, creating an optimal environment for growth, skill-building, and … Read more
Whether you’re heading out for a family vacation, traveling for a special event, or just planning a weekend getaway, traveling with a child on the autism spectrum comes with a unique set of considerations. New environments, long waits, unfamiliar routines, and sensory overload can make travel feel overwhelming—for both children and parents. But travel can … Read more
Minnesota Healthcare Leader Brings Over 30 Years of Experience to Region’s Largest Provider of Autism Therapy [Minneapolis, MN] – MAC Midwest, a leading provider of autism services in the Midwest, is proud to announce the appointment of Christine (Chris) Bent as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective February 6, 2025. Bent succeeds Jeff Nichols, who … Read more
Why Do Children with Autism Experience Feeding Challenges? Feeding challenges are common among individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with studies suggesting that up to 80% of children with autism experience some form of feeding difficulty. These challenges can range from food selectivity and aversions to sensory sensitivities and difficulty with self-feeding. Common reasons for … Read more
The holiday season is filled with bright lights, festive gatherings, and joyful traditions. But for individuals affected by autism, the sensory overload that comes with the holidays can be overwhelming. Sudden changes in routine, unfamiliar foods, loud celebrations, and flashing decorations can create stress and discomfort. At MAC Midwest, we understand the importance of creating … Read more
Life is full of transitions—starting school, moving to a new home, switching therapists, or even adjusting to changes in daily routines. While these shifts can be challenging for anyone, they can be especially difficult for children on the autism spectrum. Predictability and routine are key components of a child’s sense of security, and when those … Read more
I want to share a story that beautifully encapsulates the heart of our work here at MAC—a story about the little things that add up to make a big difference in the lives of our learners and their families. Recently, I sat down with Emily Tautges, one of our dedicated Regional Directors, who has been … Read more
Join Our Newsletter
Today will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $5,000 — instantly multiplying your generosity to support even more individuals and families affected by autism across Minnesota.
Your gift today helps us:
• Reach more learners and families
• Build communication and confidence
• Strengthen programs that provide critical care
