AuSM, SAPA, and MAAN partner to support local families with autism
AuSM is pleased to announce a partnership with the Somali American Parent Association (SAPA) and the Multicultural Autism Action Network (MAAN). Fueled by a two-year Minnesota Department of Human Services Innovations Grant, this partnership will focus on supporting the metro area’s multicultural population with autism and similar disabilities.
Together, AuSM, SAPA, and MAAN will plan outreach to families in order to provide education about navigation of quality, culturally appropriate services, and supports. Additionally, there will be several opportunities for facilitated participation in community opportunities for inclusive programming.
“The fabric of the autism community is threaded with diversity that is often underserved by programs and services that are designed for a perceived majority,” said Ellie Wilson, AuSM Executive Director. “This project is about deepening meaningful connections with multicultural communities so that we can learn how to better include, serve, and advocate for our whole community, and all who belong to it.”
Visit a Chuck E. Cheese’s location near you on Oct. 18 (the Friday of MEA weekend!) from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. or Sunday, Nov. 3 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and support Autism Society of Minnesota programs and services for our local autism community. Mention AuSM at the register, and Chuck E. Cheese’s will donate 20% of your purchase to AuSM. Chuck E. Cheese’s features a video arcade with interactive games, pizza and an all-you-can-eat salad bar, and performances by the one and only Chuck E. and his gang. All Minnesota locations are participating in these fundraising days for the local autism community. Wear a costume to the October fundraiser and you will receive 50 free tickets. 
AuSM is pleased to announce that six 2019-2020 AuSM Skillshops will be available through a live-stream Internet broadcast, thus making content accessible to a more broad-based audience. Participants may purchase an individual session or all Internet streaming sessions that cover a wide variety of topics including: Oct. 1, 2019: Guardianship: Do We Need It; Nov. 12, 2019: Let’s Talk About It: Disclosure; Jan. 14, 2020: Alderian Psychology and ASD; Feb. 18, 2020: Preventing & Recovering from Burnout; March 31, 2020: Understanding SPED; May 19, 2020: How To Find the Right Therapist for You. Sessions purchased for live-stream viewing will be available in real time only and will not be accessible after the AuSM Skillshop has taken place. All 12 AuSM Skillshops in the 2019-2020 season also are available for in-person participation. 
AuSM invites you to experience the thrill of riding a trolley, spend some time with Minnesota autism community friends, and pick a perfect pumpkin during this fun event for individuals and families affected by autism. During the event held Oct. 12, 2019 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Minnesota Streetcar Museum, participants will ride the rails and stop at a pumpkin patch where they can choose their favorite pumpkin to take home. The first trolley charter will leave the station at 10:30 a.m. and the final charter will roll back to the station at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $15 per AuSM member family, $20 per non-member family, and $5 per individual with ASD. Space is limited, so please register early. The AuSM Pumpkin Trolley is generously sponsored by FIND Network, the Minnesota Streetcar Museum, and St. David's Center for Child & Family Development; visit their resource tables during the event! 