About Us

Rochester Area Autism Association

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Who we are

The Rochester Area Autism Association is an organization dedicated to autistic individuals and their loved ones.

The diagnosis of Autism is an emotional one for individuals and families, and the Rochester Area Autism Association wants individuals and families to recognize that they are not without help.

The Rochester Area Autism Association is an organization designed and run by parents and advocates of individuals with autism. Our goals are simple in that we don’t want anyone to feel isolated or alone. Our goal is to connect people to each other and to the resources and support they need.

Our Mission

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

Our History

Nearly 20 years ago, dedicated parents Brad and Joan Trahan founded the Reece Trahan Autism Awareness Foundation (RTAAF) after searching for resources to support their newly diagnosed son, Reece. Finding few options available in the community, they took action. They created an organization to bring awareness, support, and connection to families impacted by autism in the Rochester area.

From the start, the Foundation became a vital source of hope and community for families impacted by autism, a role it continues to fulfill today. At that time, the autism prevalence rate was just 8 in 1,000, and many families were unsure where to turn for guidance. RTAAF stepped forward to offer support, build community, and raise awareness throughout the region.

In April 2007, RTAAF partnered with the Rochester Police Department and the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office to implement Project Lifesaver, a public safety program designed to protect individuals at risk of wandering, including those with autism and other cognitive disabilities. The program continues to serve and safeguard vulnerable individuals in Olmsted County today.

In 2015, RTAAF launched the Community Autism Resource, Education, and Support (CARES) Program, a 12-week intensive educational and support group for parents and caregivers of children newly diagnosed with autism. Since then, CARES has grown significantly and is currently funded through the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) through June 2026. Also in 2023, RTAAF launched two new initiatives: a Coffee Club for autistic adults and a sensory-friendly vaccine clinic in partnership with OMC.

The RT Autism Awareness Foundation has a proud history of supporting families and strengthening the Rochester community. Today, with 1 in 31 children diagnosed with autism, our work continues, and our community has grown. Building on the legacy of RTAAF, we’ve become an organization that seeks to empower autistic individuals, uplift their families, and strengthen a community where everyone belongs.