Rochester Area Autism Association

Our Mission:

To empower autistic individuals, support their families, and strengthen the Rochester area community.

Receiving an autism diagnosis for your child can be an overwhelming and emotional experience. Relief, confusion, fear, and even guilt can come all at once, leaving parents struggling to process what this new reality means for their child, their family, and their future. The early days can feel isolating, as questions arise faster than answers, and every decision about your child’s care and support carries both hope and anxiety.

CARES (Community Autism Resource Education and Support Group), was created in 2015 to meet this need in the Rochester area community. In this 12 week intensive support group parents learn about resources and supports that are available to their child. CARES also offers a safe space to connect with other parents who are on a similar journey. Over 100 families are served each year through our CARES program.

"Knowing we are not alone in this journey... is one of the greatest gifts any parent could receive."

For the past two years, the CARES Program has been supported by a grant from DHS. That funding will end in June 2026. To ensure that CARES and other important programs of the Rochester Area Autism Association continue, we are beginning to raise funds now. Your support helps us keep these services in place for families who rely on them.

Your donation can help us reach families who need this program most and give them the guidance and reassurance that every parent deserves. Would you consider partnering with us to make a lasting impact in the lives of families facing the challenges of a new autism diagnosis? 

✨ Thanks to three generous donors, all gifts made now through 12 p.m. CST on November 19, 2025, will be matched dollar for dollar up to $5,000 and help us continue serving families through CARES and beyond! Will you donate today? 

What Participants are Saying about CARES:                                       

"This is an amazing group. The instructor helps everyone feel included and provides tools for the struggles parents are currently going through. I value the incredibly informative insights and connection to other people who shares these difficult challenges of parenting children with autism. This class is a beautiful blend of resources, connections and empowering parents with the power of belonging. Knowing we are not alone in this journey... is one of the greatest gifts any parent could receive."                                                        

    

                                                    

"I was able to really expedite getting services set up for my daughter because I learned about what was available and how to access them... We got our daughter into ABA four months after diagnosis and got her an AAC device one month after getting MA."

Who Can Join CARES

• Primarily for parents/caregivers of children diagnosed with autism within the last year. Open to all families, including grandparents, older siblings, and caregivers of children of any age navigating autism-related challenges. Open to Southeast Minnesota residents.

How CARES Work

• 12-week intensive family support group facilitated by CARES Coordinator and trained parent leaders. Each session includes expert guidance, peer support, and connections to community resources. 

    

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