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Testimonials

Mary Beth

I did many internet and community searches about Asperger’s before finding ANSWER when they first started several years ago. I wish I had had more – ANY – support when my son first started dealing with this. If I had known the right way to address Asperger’s, my son might not have denied his disability, and we may have had a more positive outcome. Now out of his teens, my son still struggles with college and work and life issues that I believe ANSWER could haved minimized if he would accept the help. A more visible website is critical to helping people find ANSWER sooner in their struggles. It is difficult for people to open their lives to others, and a website can help provide anonymity while still providing important information. I hope ANSWER receives this website. It would truly be a great service to our community!

Terry Hitchcock

I am so thrilled to have known Answer and the people that support and surround the organization. It does “magic” for Asperger’s and I am honored to support Answer any way I can. Bless all those who both support such a wonderful organization as well as those who work tirelessly to bring relief to those with this disease.

Cindy N.

ANSWER provides a unique and critical resource for those with Autistic Spectrum Disorders and their families. The founders of ANSWER have designed the services to meet the needs of what families ask for and want. They provide guidance as they address the critical questions, within a framework of education and support. The network at ANSWER are on the cutting edge of development and foresee the needs of those impacted by the disorder not only now, but in the years to come. The supportive housing and employment initiatives are cutting edge and MUCH needed in our community.

Chris C.

ANSWER has been an answer to our prayers! ANSWER provided the resources and support we needed so much. We’ve connected with other families, attended conferences, and learned so much. This has made life saving and life changing impacts for our son and our family.

Lori H.

ANSWER has been a invaluable resource for my family. At each challenge my son goes through, I have gotten resources and support from the caring and understanding facilitators and parents involved with ANSWER.

Michael S.

I so appreciate ANSWER. It is for me mostly about caring people getting together to learn from one another about the best ways to help our kids. But it also has provided social opportunities for one of my sons. It is the first place I go for advice on medical, psychological, social and legal issues. Thank you ANSWER.

Bernette F.

For several years, I have enjoyed ongoing suppport form the Answers Program. ANSWER has given me a place to share about my family’s needs and brainstorm strategies to help my child be successful.

Debbie T.

We see people attend the support programs with varying challenges and needs, looking for ideas, suggestions and strategies to benefit them, family, friends, educators, employers and community. ANSWER provides information, resources, program options and understanding in a sharing and caring environment. What a valuable asset to the Asperger’s community.

Theresa Namie

Being the Director of ANSWER has opened my eyes to a wonderful world of incredible people. I only hope to be able to give back as much as I have received. This village has helped my family immensely. Thank you!

Gail G.

I am so lucky to know one of the founders of ANSWER, an amazing woman who would not take no for an answer! When Theresa couldn´t find the information that she needed to help her son, she pursued the issue unrelentlessly and shared everything she could with others. I live in Mexico and there are virtually no support groups here. I have taken more than one Mom to this website to find the help that they need for their children. There is not another more deserving non-profit. Period.

Brian L.

I found ANSWER in an unusual way, I was sent by my job to install phone service for a customer. Upon arrival I noticed a sticker on the door alerting all visitors that an Aspie lived there, and please be mindful of the door as leaving it open could be disasterous. I struck up a conversation with Theresa (one of the co-founders) imediately, and have been friend, loyal supporter, and benefactor ever since as I also have children with Asperger’s. ANSWER is tireless in it’s constant support, and never ending pursuit to find and get critical information to all who are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. In my eyes, there is not a more deserving non-profit out there!

Sandra C.

I was intoduced to ANSWER by my fiancee Brian.  ANSWER and it’s members have become my extended family. I know I could not have endured the difficult trials of both of my sons Asperger’s diagnoses with out their continued support. Both of my children have had the great fortune of participating in events, camps, and skills building classes supported by ANSWER. I have also benefited immensely through its continually growing support group, and events! I cannot express in words how deserving ANSWER is!

James N.

You have just received the shocking news that your child has been diagnosed with Asperger’s. Your first reaction after the numbness wears off is how will be able to help my child? What is Asperger’s syndrome, where do I go, who do I see, how can I get the information I need to make decisions? That is what ANSWER is all about. We have been there and walked in the shoes you are now having to wear. We strive to provide the best information and support for newly diagnosed families and continued support as your child becomes an adult. I thank the other board members for their dedication to our “Little Engine That Could” but special thanks and love to my wife Theresa for her endless devotion to make sure ANSWER continues to serve all who ask for help.

Dawn C.

I became involve with ANSWER after a local psychologist told me about challenges that face the population with Asperger’s diagnosis. Given that the Asperger’s population is increasing at a dramatic rate, it has become more important that ANSWER continues their mission to provide support and guidance to those people and families. Both of my sons have more than one friend with Asperger’s and our understanding of their challenges can be crucial to their success. While many of these young people have sensory and social challenges – they also have many strengths and gifts. ANSWER has chosen to help these people and their families by being a positive force of support in their lives. I know that an updated website that integrated a new resource guide for parents and better social media connections would help them reach more people and carry out their mission more effectively!!!

Kathy H.

What a lifesaver ANSWER has been for me and my family. Knowing you are not alone on the ASD journey helps us keep putting one step in front of the next. My 20 year old son on the spectrum has made amazing progress over the last few years. Thank you ANSWER friends!!

Tom W.

We are in total support of ANSWER’s mission and the support it gives to families with childern with aspergers. Theresa has worked tirelessly to make ANSWER be the best supportive organization it can be, planning special events, camping trips, training and support groups, its amazing how much they have done with never enough! They could do so much more with the power of a new website! Please help them expand their reach!

Deborah A.

ANSWER met a need in my life a few years back when my son was newly diagnosed (at age 15) and I was struggling to understand what that meant and what we could do to help him. The support and education I received from them was invaluable. I only wish the meetings were closer to my home so I could continue to participate.

Melva R.

It is estimated that every 20 minutes, a parent is told that his/her child is on the Autism Spectrum. The news is inevitably followed by a tsunami of questions — “NOW WHAT?”, “What ASD issues are specific to my child?”; “What kind of services does my child need?”; “Where can I find those services?”; “Can I afford to pay for those services?”; “How will my child cope in the neurotypical world?”; “How do I find parents who are going through the same thing, so we can compare notes and offer mutual support?” That’s just for starters. ANSWER is a vital resource for the parents of ASD children who are seeking information, support — and ANSWERS — to questions about their child’s diagnosis. ANSWER offers unique networking, resources and programs for parents. It gives parents a way to move forward when the way is anything but clear. Just as importantly, ANSWER was founded by parents who know parent’s needs because they too are charting a path for their own children on the Autism Spectrum. An effective website is critical to the work ANSWER does. A website provides a focal point and a platform for the parents of ASD children who are geographically scattered and overwhelmed by the scheduling demands which go hand in hand with raising an ASD child.

Tess G.

I am so thankful for the day I first heard Theresa’s voice on the other end of the phone inviting me to come to the ANSWER parent support group! We had just moved from Canada where our son with Asperger’s had all supports in place. Having to move to a new city and a new country and start over was so difficult. ANSWER has not only provided ANSWERS and SUPPORT, they have become our extended family. I needed answers…they were there. I needed support… they were there. I needed a friend…they were there. I needed direction or advice…they were there. I needed a shoulder to cry on…you guessed it…they were there. They are people who relate to all our challenges, who have experienced all that we do on a daily basis. People who care and fight to continue to make a difference in the lives of families living with Aspergers. People who bring a laugh and a smile into any situation. A ray of sunshine into the darkest places when there seems to be no way out. If I can be there for them in any way, I will be. Thank you Theresa and to all at ANSWER!!!

Jessica N.

Answer is awesome! I’ve seen them help so many people in need. Thanks mom for everything you do!

Theresa G.

You don’t always realize what you need till there is nothing there to help you. This is how Theresa N & I felt when we became friends while our sons were attending a social skills program for kids with Asperger’s. We had both been filling in the blanks as to how to navigate this journey we were now on as parents of kids on the Autistic Spectrum & found together we both had a lot of the same questions. Armed with our passion as moms to help our kids & other families, we founded ANSWER. Today ANSWER offers parent support through groups, transition support for young adults, camp programs that are specific to Asperger’s (w/Friendship Ventures), & a considerable amount of information on resources available to families in Minnesota. Going forward ANSWER is working on projects that will continue to fill in the gaps. ANSWER is committed to asking questions & finding the answers to best help families navigate this part of their life journey. For me personally & my family it has made ALL the difference in the world knowing we are not in this alone. Thanks to all our ANSWER families!!