Jul
22
Three Rivers Outdoor Adventure serves youth on the spectrum
Outdoor Adventure Skills, an AuSM social skills class held at Eastman Nature Center last week, had participants exploring forest, pond, and prairie habitats. They also built a survival shelter and made friends while communicating their needs during safe, off-trail adventures away from the comforts of home. CCX Media sent a reporter and videographer to the site to learn more about this fun, nature-based social skills class. Click here to watch the video and learn more.
Early bird pricing has been extended so you can save $100 by registering for the AuSM Golf Classic today. 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. Designed by golf legends Annika Sorenstam and Arnold Palmer, the Royal Golf Club course is sure to thrill golfers of all abilities. 
Major League Baseball, the Minnesota Twins, and autism awareness groups from across Twins Territory are teaming up to offer discounted tickets to the game against Cleveland on Sunday, Aug. 11. Join us in cheering on the Twins with your family and friends and enjoy all that Target Field has to offer. $5 from every ticket purchased through the below link will be donated to support programs and services for the local autism community. BONUS: All ticket purchasers are invited to take part in a special pre-game parade to increase awareness of autism in Twins Territory. 
Registration is open for the 2nd Annual AuSM Self-Advocacy Summit, to be held Sept. 21 at the Union Depot in St. Paul. The event will include a keynote presentation by Olivia James and breakout sessions featuring topics including mental health, executive function, sensory needs, employment, relationships, and more. This event is for autistics by autistics. 
The 2nd Annual AuSM Connections Jigsaw Puzzle Competition took place on Saturday, July 13 at Mall of America. Teams of up to four competed in two divisions throughout the day that featured 500-piece and 1,000-piece puzzles. Those who puzzled the fastest were awarded prizes, and everyone who competed was awarded with an amazing day of community, teamwork, encouragement from the Ninja Turtles, and lots of fun. Special thanks to Devin Wildes, a 24-year-old autistic artist who provided the 500-piece puzzle artwork. Wildes shared commentary on his art and stuck around throughout the competition to puzzle, cheer on teams, and sign puzzle boxes. We also are grateful to event emcee and founder of PuzzleTwist, Tony Nelson, and his wife, Candace, as well as Games By James who donated profits raised during the event to support AuSM's programs and services for our local autism community.
AuSM has been pleased to partner with the Lake Superior Zoo and the Great Lakes Aquarium to offer two exciting social skills classes for youth with autism this summer. AuSM Social Skills summer classes build skills in low-stress environments that encourage learning and growth. AuSM provides programming that is conducive to youth who fall within the wide range of the autism spectrum and offers a 1:4 staff-to-participant ratio. Click on the below link for more information on the remaining July class at the Lake Superior Zoo.
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. 