Research, Development and Advocacy for Autism Friendly Environments

The End of the Spectrum is a Minnesota based non-profit working to develop residential communities for individuals with autism.

We are a group of parents and professionals working to serve children in Minnesota with autism who require out-of-home placement. Dr. Sheryl Grassie is our Executive Director..

Our Mission

“The outside sensations of the world must feel to her like sand stuck between her toes, like Jelly on her fingers, like flies around her face” Elizabeth Burns, Author of Tilt

To serve individuals with severe autism by developing replicable housing models that meet the sensory needs of this population while emphasizing a healthy milieu. This is accomplished in part by increasing public and professional awareness of the need for appropriate out-of-home placement options, including changing legislation where necessary.

Our Vision

To develop a safe, caring, appropriate, inclusive, healthy, curative environment where our children with autism can live and learn with limited obstacles.

We achieve this through a three-fold model which includes:

A therapeutic, autism friendly environment with a sensory based treatment program and school,
a green/sustainable/energy conscious building and grounds, and
an inclusive medical and food program welcoming both allopathic and naturopathic approaches to health care, as well as organic and alternative dietary strategies.