Oct
14
Sun shines brightly on AuSM Pumpkin Trolley event
Thanks to sponsors Anime Twin Cities and FIND Network - Autism Research Connections for supporting the AuSM Pumpkin Trolley at the Minnesota Streetcar Museum yesterday. The weather was a little chilly, but the sun shone brightly as families and individuals with autism enjoyed a trolley ride and picked perfect pumpkins. Thank you to everyone who came out and made this harvest time experience lots of fun! Thanks, too, to County Market of Andover and GoGo squeeZ for providing the beverages and treats!
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. 
The Saint Paul Police Department invites individuals with autism and their caregivers to attend an introductory class about the Cops Autism Response Education (C.A.R.E.) program from 6-8:30 p.m. on Oct. 17. The class, held at the Saint Paul Police Department Western District Office in St. Paul, will include information about the following: understanding of police response to those on the autism spectrum; follow up and contact with those on the autism spectrum; question and answer session with police officers. The cost to participate is free, but registration is required. 
AuSM and the University of Minnesota's FIND Network are pleased to offer the 2018 Fall Autism Festival and Costume Party from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. This event will feature AuSM's Caregivers of Kids with Autism free support group from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and a SPARK Research sign-up event from 9-10:30 a.m. and 12-1:30 p.m. Childcare will be provided during this October support group designed for parents and caregivers of school-age kids with autism age 4-21. Supervised games and activities will be available for children while parents and caregivers complete the SPARK study information. The event also will include prizes and treats. The event is free, but registration by Oct. 15 is encouraged. To register for the support group and the party, e-mail 
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.
Join the Autism Society of Minnesota, Arc Midstate, Opportunity Matters, and WACOSA for an informative autism information share during the Autism Supports, Strategies, and Resources Workshop to be held at the Sartell Community Center from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Oct. 26, 2018. Parents, caregivers, educators, support professionals, and individuals with autism will learn from session topics including autism 101, executive function, mental illness, positive supports, behavior strategies, and life planning. During the lunch session, get tips and strategies from a panel of caregivers and adults with autism. 