AuSM jigsaw puzzle competition at Mall of America
Put your jigsaw puzzling passion to the test during the 2nd annual AuSM Connections Jigsaw Puzzle Competition held at the Mall of America Rotunda on Saturday, July 13. Gather your friends and family into teams of up to four that will compete for the fastest puzzle completion time. All proceeds support Autism Society of Minnesota programs and services for our local autism community. Prizes will be awarded in both the Adult and Family divisions to the teams completing their puzzle in the quickest time. Teams will keep their competition puzzle. Click here for more information and to register. Space is limited in both divisions.
Devin Wildes, Local Artist
Puzzle art for the Family Division will be provided by Devin Wildes, a 24-year-old accomplished artist with autism who expresses himself vividly through art. He has won several Davinci Fest awards, a Midwest Region Emmy, and his art has premiered in local galleries in Stillwater, Minn. AuSM is honored to have Devin’s artwork featured in this year’s puzzle competition!
Take a Monday off from work and hit the greens in support of the local autism community on Aug. 5. Rolling hills, mature trees, and abundant wildlife provide the scenic backdrop for this challenging, yet approachable 18-hole course. The front nine, or the Queen’s Nine, was designed by Annika Sorenstam, and the back nine, known as the King’s Nine, was designed by Arnold Palmer. 
AuSM is proud to have been selected as the Rock the Garden 2019 nonprofit partner. Held June 29 from 1-10 p.m. at the Walker Art Center/Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Rock the Garden is one of the biggest outdoor music festivals of the season! One day, two stages, eight bands. AuSM will have a tent at the event and will provide resources to all participants. We are pleased to be a part of this iconic summer festival! 
On June 13 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., join Autism Friendly Austin, the Autism Society of Minnesota, and the Hormel Historic Home for this informative autism workshop. Sessions will feature topics including Understanding Autism and Positive Behavior Support; Executive Function, Emotional Regulation, and De-escalation Strategies; and ASD and Employment. The workshop will take place at Hormel Historic Home in Austin, Minn. 
On Aug. 8-9, 2019, engage with experienced professionals to enhance your practice with learners on the autism spectrum during the Summer Symposium. Held at the University of St. Thomas Minneapolis campus, the Summer Symposium will include a content lecture examining developmental differences, linking challenges to educational needs and goals, and highlighting evidence-based practices that promote skill-building. Sessions also will include opportunity for small group breakouts for hands-on learning and knowledge share. Special educators, general educators, paraprofessionals, related-service providers, and administrators should plan to participate in this education-packed event. 
AuSM's camp directors have created an