By: MAC Midwest Recently, MAC Midwest attended the Community Report on Autism presented by the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, a program of the CDC. As a proud community partner, we pay close attention to this report each year because it helps us understand how autism is identified and experienced across the communities … Read more
By: Jaime Larry, MSW, LCISW, Director of Center-Based Services & Megan Meyer, MS, LPCC, Director of Outpatient Services Pause ≠ Healing: A Deeper Look at Mental Health Days & Self Checks “A mental health day can be a chance to rest and reset, but true well-being begins when we also care for what’s underneath the … 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
MAC Midwest Featured on Northern News Now We’re excited to share that MAC Midwest was recently featured on Northern News Now highlighting our Shine for MAC fundraiser and the growing need for autism and mental health services across Minnesota. This story lifts up the impact of our work and the importance of expanding access for … 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
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
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
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
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
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
As many of you may have saw in the news this past week, investigators are examining potential Medicaid fraud among a small group autism service providers. The Minnesota Department of Human Services currently has 15 active investigations aimed at ensuring every dollar spent on therapy and services for individuals on the autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) … Read more
Adelle Whitefoot recently published an article in the Duluth News Tribune after speaking with parents about their fight to advocate for their children who are autistic. Michelle DeRemer, coordinator of the speech-language pathologist team at MAC, was interviewed for the piece which highlights MAC resources and other programs in the state for children with autism […]
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