Just before his 3rd birthday in January 2003, Brad Trahan’s son, Reece was diagnosed with severe autism. At the time, they didn’t know where to turn, so they decided to take that perceived negative diagnosis and turn it into positive action. In May of that year, they founded the Minnesota RT Autism Awareness Foundation.
“Our mission is to Educate, Advocate and bring Awareness to how autism affects families, the public schools and the tax-payers in our nation,” Brad said. “I’ve testified multiple times at our Legislature, Chaired the Minnesota Senate Autism Task Force and work with local Congressman, Tim Walz on a variety of autism issues and federal legislation. We’ve been able to take the Minnesota Foundation to a higher level with some of the programs we do in schools and with the support of Vikings Linebacker 
Autism is diagnosed in 1 in 100 children born today and there is no known cure (testing for autism is available in the local public school system or at a medical physician). It’s the fastest growing developmental disability our nation faces today and typically appears during the first three years of life. Autism is very emotional and draining for parents and for all those that care for the individual diagnosed. People with autism process and respond to information in unique ways. They can be resistant to change, seem aloof, make little or no eye contact, and insist on sameness. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present. However, with early and intense intervention and therapy, individuals diagnosed can learn and be productive. There’s no single treatment for children, but most respond best to highly structured behavioral programs. RTAAF offers support groups to help these families cope.
“Researchers are working extremely hard to find a cause and a cure for autism,” said Brad. “Under the direction of Dr. Scott Selleck, The University of Minnesota continues to put the full-court press on its autism research. But like us, they too need funding to help them continue their efforts. Our primary donations come from local sources and through a golf benefit that we host each July. However, to continue with our mission to Educate, Advocate and bring Awareness to this most complex disorder, donations are critical. Supporters can log on to www.RTAutismAwareness.org to donate or e-mail us. I personally answer every e-mail written to us. We will do all we physically can to meet the needs of individuals battling autism and for those families that love and support them.”
