Today is a great day to be AuSM to the MAX
Please consider donating to AuSM today, on Minnesota's day of generosity, Give to the Max Day. 100% of donations stay in this community, and every dollar counts. Double your dollars up to $12,950 thanks to a generous match fund created by the Pentair Foundation; the AuSM Board of Directors; Andre Best, Best Home Care; Joan and Jeff Hamiel; and Dorothy Waltz.
Give to the Max Day Donation Incentives - Thank you to Bruegger's Bagel Bakery, Home Depot, and Wuollet Bakery
$10+: Bruegger's coupon for free bagel with cream cheese
$25+: Bruegger's coupon for dozen bagels; Wuollet coupon for a free cupcake; entry into Home Depot prize drawing; entry into Bruegger's bottomless mug drawing
$40+: Bruegger's coupon for bagel bundle; Wuollet coupon for a free cupcake; entry into Home Depot prize drawing; entry into Bruegger's bottomless mug drawing
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.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in St. Paul will hold four single-session classes for adults with autism, ages 18+, over the next few months. Sessions will include "Arctic" on Dec. 15; "Africa" on Jan. 5; "Tropical Rain Forests" on Jan. 26; and "Adaptations" on Feb. 16. Adults with autism are invited to explore Como and learn from their education specialists. Sessions have limited space; participants are encouraged to register early. The cost is $25 per session for AuSM members and $30 per session for non-members. Register for a single session or multiple sessions. 
For some parents of children with autism, goals of future meaningful employment and independence for their children can seem unattainable. Caregivers want the best for their children, but with limited services, and, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 16.8 percent of the population with disabilities employed, the future can feel bleak.
Shake Shack's new location in Southdale Center has selected the Autism Society of Minnesota as its charity partner. As part of this partnership, AuSM will receive 5% of all sales of the Pie Oh My concrete shake. Stop by, enjoy a treat, and support programs and services for the local autism community.
On Nov. 18 at 6 p.m., the Guthrie Theater will offer its first relaxed performance - a special production of its traditional holiday classic version of "A Christmas Carol". The relaxed performance is intended to be sensitive to and accepting of any audience member who may benefit from a more relaxed environment. The Guthrie staff, cast and crew invite patrons and families to come, be themselves and experience the joy and wonder of this timeless Dickens classic in a relaxed theatergoing environment. Tickets go on sale Monday, Oct. 22. 
On Nov. 17, WCI, in partnership with AuSM, will offer "Law & Order" a workshop for caregivers, family members, educators, professionals, and individuals with autism. The workshop, held from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Litchfield, will feature AuSM's autism education specialists presenting on topics including: the characteristics of autism, strategies to prevent involvement, how to cope when involved with law enforcement, and creating a family safety plan. Certificates of attendance will be available for participants. 
AuSM is pleased to announce its newest project, AuSM’s Guide to Sensory-Friendly Minnesota. This reference tool and planning guide for families and individuals with autism and other sensory sensitivities will contain information about why sensory-friendly events and activities are important for our community, how to make an event or activity sensory-friendly, personal stories, and a calendar guide of sensory-friendly offerings throughout Minnesota. AuSM’s Guide to Sensory-Friendly Minnesota will be distributed in January 2019.