Our

Mission, Vision & Values

The Multicultural Autism Action Network (MAAN) is dedicated to transforming and empowering multicultural communities by providing effective support and education for autistic individuals and their families.

Our donations are used to support our community outreach and training programs. We strive to create a better world for autistic children and their families, and we thank all of you for helping us to achieve that.

We were founded in 2016 by Fatima Molas and Delia Samuel, who, as parents of autistic children, experienced extreme stress and frustration navigating the regional and federal support systems established to help create a nurturing and empowering environment for their boys.

Their efforts to make a difference were recognized by three other parents, Rufo Jiru, Abyan Ali and Maren Christenson and who decided to join forces and expand their outreach efforts. Together, this board of passionate and dedicated parents are tirelessly working on achieving their goals:

To provide opportunities for growth and development, improved self-confidence, and greater independence for autistic individuals and related conditions.

To provide hands-on training for parents and caregivers of autistic individuals in order to promote confidence and reduce stress.

To conduct workshops, seminars, and information sessions for professionals, including law enforcement and medical professionals, regarding cultural understanding.

To prepare autism information in culturally relevant formats for parents and caregivers serving multicultural communities.

To help make places in the community autism-friendly and accessible.

To reduce isolation for families with autistic children.

To educate the multicultural communities (Somali, Oromo, African American, Hmong American, AAPI, Indigenous community) on what Autism is and what needs to exist so that their children can thrive and not be marginalized.