Steps for Autism brings community together for fun March 3

Steps of Hope is taking on a new name and rallying some new excitement in 2019. Steps for Autism in Minnesota, AuSM's 19th annual family fun walk and the state’s largest autism resource fair, will take place at Southdale Center on March 3, 2019. Each participant is an autism hero, rallying for the 1 in 42 individuals living with autism in Minnesota.

Steps for Autism in Minnesota will begin with the third annual AuSM Flash Dash presented by Accra, an all ages and abilities quick walk from 9-9:15 a.m. that will be done in a flash. Families and individuals who register for the AuSM Flash Dash will receive medals at the finish line and bragging rights for completion. Steps for Autism dollars directly support local families and individuals living with autism, from birth through retirement. Donations stay in the community by funding AuSM's innovative programs and services. Those registering for the AuSM Flash Dash by Feb. 22 will be entered into a drawing for MN Wild hockey tickets!

Register as an individual participant or sign up your fundraising team today! 

24th Annual Minnesota Autism Conference registration is open

Registration is open for the 24th Annual Minnesota Autism Conference, to be held April 24-27, 2019 at its new venue, the Minneapolis Marriott Soutwest. During this event, the Minnesota autism community will join voices as a passionate network to connect and inspire innovation. Here, expert speakers, educators, professionals, caregivers, and individuals with autism will have a platform to exchange knowledge and ideas with one another - all with the goal of enhancing the lives of those on the autism spectrum. The conference, sponsored by Accra, Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes, and MN LEND will feature exhibitors, the AuSM Bookstore, more than 35 breakout sessions, and four keynote speakers, including Sue Swenson, MBA sponsored by LEND; Theresa M. Regan, PhD, CBIS, CAS; Patrick Schwarz, PhD sponsored by St. David's Center for Child & Family Development; and Jennifer O'Toole sponsored by Minnesota Independence College & Community. Register today to be a part of this amazing learning opportunity. Click here for more information and to register.

Super Fest 2019 rallies excited athletes and amazing volunteers

Thank you to all of the determined participants and welcoming volunteers who made Super Fest 2019 an amazing success yesterday! Hosted by AuSM friends at Paul's Pals, Super Fest 2019 featured inclusive cheerleading and football clinics for youth of all abilities, a visit from NFL football legends, NFL cheerleaders, Victor the MN Vikings mascot, and a game-day experience where participants to showed off the skills they learn during the clinics. Special thanks to Super Fest 2019 supporting organizations: Paul’s Pals, The Matthew Foundation, and the Minnesota Vikings along with The Autism Society of Minnesota, the Down Syndrome Foundation, Flagship Recreation, Fraser - Minnesota, Hope Fieldhouse, Mount Olivet Rolling Acres, and Washburn Center for Children.

Summer registration opens Monday, Jan. 28 at 8 a.m.

Though you may not have received your printed copy of the summer activities catalog just yet, registration will open on Monday, Jan. 28 at 8 a.m. Packed with information on summer social skills programs, residential and daily camps, exciting event opportunities, and more, the 2019 AuSM Summer Activities Catalog is available online now. Click on these links to learn more about AuSM Summer Camp programs and AuSM Summer Social Skills classes, and get ready to register on Jan. 28! Printed copies of the 2019 AuSM Summer Activities Catalog and AuSM's Guide to Sensory-Friendly Minnesota will be arriving in mailboxes soon!

AuSM's newest guide about inclusivity and sensory-friendly

Introducing AuSM’s Guide to Sensory-Friendly Minnesota, a reference tool and planning guide for families and individuals with autism and other sensory sensitivities. Learn why sensory-friendly events and activities are important, find recommendations for creating sensory-friendly events and activities, read personal stories, and check out the calendar guide of sensory-friendly community events and activities to unite our community. The guide will drop in mailboxes within the next couple of weeks, but it is available online now.

Click here to access the electronic version of the guide.

AuSM also encourages you to visit the newly designed Uniting the Community Events page on our site. The page includes a chronological listing of events and activities offered by AuSM and our community partners. AuSM is pleased to offer opportunities for families and individuals with autism to come together and enjoy fun activities in supportive, welcoming environments. Click on the above link to view this great new resource.