Upcoming Events: Planning for the future Date: Wednesday, November 17th Time: 7 to 9 p.m. Location: Autism Society of Minnesota, 2380 Wycliff Street, Suite 102 St. Paul MN 55114 Learn how a supplemental needs trust and specialized estate planning can help you ensure that your child’s guardian will have the financial resources to take care [...]
ASD Task Force to Make Recommendations
August 24th, 2010
Join the process! Attend upcoming meetings of the ASD Task Force to learn about the recommendations it will make to the Legislature.
Planning For the Future
August 23rd, 2010
Learn about supplemental needs trusts, estate planning issues unique to the autism community, and guardianship.
Debut of “Autism Inside & Out”
July 19th, 2010
Don’t miss the GFCF cooking segment at the end! Michelle Silvester, an autism mom extraordinaire, launched a new television program dubbed “Autism Inside & Out.” The first episode features pediatrician Dr. Allison Golnik and nuero-psychologist Dr. Robin Rumsey. There is also a legislative update from Amy Dawson, as well as some tips on cooking GFCF [...]
Health Care Reform and Autism
July 19th, 2010
How will new protections for pre-existing conditions affect health insurance for children with autism? Many families are shocked when they learn that their private health insurance does not cover medically necessary care for autism. In Minnesota, children who have autism currently have limited options for affordable access to medically necessary care and treatment for autism. One [...]
Children Ride Free at Mall of America!
July 19th, 2010
The AALC has donated 125 two-hour passes for kids! A free two-hour pass to the rides at Nickelodeon Universe will be awarded to the first 125 children registered to attend the Kick-off event for the MN Walk Now for Autism on July 31st. Click here to learn more. The event will be held at the [...]
Autism Recovery Subjects Sought for Study by NIH/NIMH
July 12th, 2010
Older children and adolescents who once received a diagnosis of autism, but who no longer meet the criteria for autism are being recruited for a study on recovery from autism. Study participants will meet the following requirements: Currently between the ages of 8 and 17. Diagnosed with ASD before age of six. Do not currently [...]
Send Your Input to the IACC
July 12th, 2010
Reminder: IACC 2010 RFI to Inform the 2011 Update of the IACC Strategic Plan is Open Until Friday, July 30, 2010 In June 2010 the IACC issued a formal Request for Information (RFI) to solicit public input to inform the 2011 update of the IACC Strategic Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder Research. During the six-week public [...]
Legislative Summary 2010
May 23rd, 2010
2010 Legislative Session Overview The legislative session this year was quite a roller coaster. There were many pitfalls this years that were avoided in the the end — thanks to historic grassroots advocacy efforts from the Autism community and from the Disability community as a whole. Most notably, we were able to thwart attempts to [...]
Amy Dawson is the parent of twins, one of whom has autism and special health care needs. She began practicing law in 1992 at the firm of Faegre & Benson, L.L.P. in Minneapolis. She also worked at the PACER Center and is a member of the Board of the Arc Greater Twin Cities. Amy’s law practice focuses on issues related to autism, disabilities, insurance and estate planning.
Bob Gunderson inspired me to devote my practice to individuals who have disabilities, their families, and the organizations that serve them. Bob Gunderson was my mentor, friend and colleague and I miss him very much. Bob Gunderson served the disability community as an attorney, as a brother, and as a dedicated volunteer who spent many hours in service to organizations such as Opportunity Partners, Fraser, PACER, and the Arc of Minnesota and Arc Greater Twin Cities.