May 29 June 2014 summary of legislation impacting individuals affected by autism The 2014 legislative session was a successful one for persons with autism and their family members. The omnibus bill (HF 3172 and SF 2785) contained several provisions including: Continue Reading
May 22 Sensory friendly happenings make experiences accessible to all As the school year winds down and the temperature warms up, the urge to be out and about often increases. Many of AuSM's community partners are offering sensory-friendly experiences that can help families and individuals with autism feel comfortable and welcome. Here are a few upcoming highlights from AuSM's Uniting the Community events calendar. Be sure to visit this page of AuSM's website often as events are added weekly. Is your business or organization interested in offering a sensory friendly activity to your schedule? AuSM's education team can consult with you to help make this happen. Click here for more information about AuSM consulting and training.
May 31 Autism 5-Point Scale app surpasses 100,000 downloads The free Autism 5-Point Scale Emergency app developed by the Autism Society of Minnesota and the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities in 2011 has achieved more than 100,000 downloads worldwide from locations including the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, India, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Based on concepts from The Incredible 5-Point Scale by authors Kari Dunn Buron and Mitzi Curtis (Autism Asperger Pub. Co., 2003), the app helps individuals with autism and other disabilities act, react, and interact quickly in emergency situations. With a touch of a screen, information is provided and can help facilitate interactions for a “safe” outcome for both the individual and first responder. The app was updated to "Autism Help!" in 2015 and was made accessilble on additional mobile devices. Click here to download the Autism 5-Point Scale Emergency app from the iTunes store. The Autism Help! app also is available for Android devices. Click on the following links to access the app for your Android devices: Google Play for Phone and Tablet; Amazon App Store for Kindle Fire and Fire Phone.
May 07 AuSM needs counselors for 2018 summer camps Make your summer amazing by signing up to be a PAID camp staff member for one or more week-long sessions of Camp Hand in Hand at Camp Knutson in Crosslake, Minn. Held during the last weeks of June and July and during two weeks in August, Camp Hand in Hand offers a 1:1 staff to camper ratio and is tailored for individuals with autism, ages 9 and up, depending on the week. The serene camp location features beautiful woodland settings with modern air-conditioned cabins and bathrooms, and nutritious meals are served in a group dining room. Help campers enjoy activities include swimming, boating, geocaching, tubing, horseback riding, fishing, crafts, archery, nature exploration, biking, and music groups. Each week of camp has 35-40 campers, divided into six groups determined by age, gender, and interests. You have the power to make a difference in the life of someone with autism this summer. Join AuSM for this great adventure, bond with fellow staff, and have fun! Click here or contact AuSM’s director of camp programming, Terri Borowick, 651.647.1083; e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., for more information.
May 07 Joey's Ride fun in the sun in support of AuSM Special thanks to the organizers, volunteers, and riders who participated in the 10th Annual Joey's Ride on Saturday. The sun shone brightly as it was kickstands up in support of the Minnesota autism community! A huge amount of work goes into creating a perfect motorcycle ride fundraiser, and the Joey's Ride team has it down! 100% of funds raised will be donated to AuSM in support of programs and services for our local autism community.
May 08 Arizona and California-based businesses offer scholarships Five Arizona and California-based law firms and one dentist have teamed up to offer six $1,000 scholarships to post-secondary students with autism. Scholarships will be awarded in the form of a direct tuition payment to the educational institution chosen by the winning applicant. This could be a university, college, junior college, trade school, or vocational school. You need not be enrolled in school at the time you submit your application, but the funds must be used within one year after the date of the award. You can apply for all six scholarships. The six scholarships are being donated by Black Wynn Personal Injury Lawyers, the Feldman Law Firm, the Kelly Law Team, the Law Office of David P. Shapiro, RJT Criminal Defense, and Dentistry by John Barras. Click on the following links to learn more and apply. Application submissions are due by Feb. 15, 2018. Black Wynn Personal Injury Lawyers $1,000 Scholarship ApplicationFeldman Law Firm $1,000 Scholarship ApplicationKelly Law Team $1,000 Scholarship ApplicationLaw Office of David P. Shapiro $1,000 Scholarship ApplicationRJT Criminal Defense $1,000 Scholarship ApplicationDentistry by John Barras $1,000 Scholarship Application
May 01 Registration is open for the 22nd Annual AuSM Golf Classic Participate in the 22nd Annual AuSM Golf Classic at Troy Burne Golf Club in Hudson, Wis. on Monday, Aug. 7, 2017. Take a break from the humdrum of a regular Monday and have fun hitting the links in support of AuSM's mission of enhancing the lives of individuals touched by autism in Minnesota. Golfing foursomes will enjoy 18 holes of golf on the pristine Troy Burne course; a complimentary cart (one per two golfers); entry into contests and games; lunch; and an awards dinner. Click here for more information and to register today.
May 17 AuSM's Give Twin Cities Challenge through June 30 AuSM is pleased to be a part of the first annual Give Twin Cities Challenge, a fundraising competition organized by Minnesota Monthly magazine from now through June 30, 2016. Throughout the fundraising period, participating nonprofit organizations will be competing to raise the most dollars via Crowdrise. AuSM encourages the Minnesota autism community to rally, donate, and ask others to give in support of local families and individuals affected by autism. Donations made through AuSM's Give Twin Cities Crowdrise page (including individual donors and teams) will be totaled at the end of the challenge, and nonprofits raising the most dollars during the challenge period will be awarded prizes: 1st Place: $25,000; 2nd Place: $15,000; 3rd Place: $10,000. Click here to donate today.
May 13 Anime Twin Cities supports AuSM with Premier Partnership AuSM is pleased to announce that Anime Twin Cities is AuSM's newest Premier Partner! Anime Twin Cities conducts educational, charitable, and social activities related to the promotion and study of Japanese culture, specifically animated movies and television programs ("anime") and graphic novels ("manga") as well as the study of the Japanese language as it is used in anime and manga. Anime Twin Cities has supported the Minnesota autism community with Trolleys and Treats and Steps of Hope in 2016, and we look forward to their continued partnership in the 2016-2017 season. Click here to learn more about AuSM Premier Partnership and see a list of current AuSM Premier Partners.
May 06 8th Annual Joey's Ride: kickstands up tomorrow Take advantage of this beautiful weather and hit the open road for Joey's Ride tomorrow. Registration at Fury Motorcycle begins at 9 a.m., and the ride begins at 11 a.m. The cost is $20 per rider or passenger. The after party will take place at Tav on the Ave from 4-8 p.m. and will feature a taco bar, raffles, 50/50, music, drink specials and more. Join us for this family friendly event supporting the Minnesota autism community! 100% of proceeds will be donated to AuSM. Click here for more information.
May 31 Snoopy welcomes AuSM at Valleyfair today Snoopy was excited to welcome AuSM and the Minnesota autism community at Valleyfair's Autism Awareness Day today. It was a perfect day for some fun in the park!
May 28 Health and Human Services bill update The Health and Human Services (HHS) budget bill (SF 1458) passed in the HHS Conference Committee on May 17, and it is headed to the floors of the Minnesota Senate and House for final votes. Click here for more information.
May 23 Remembering those who have served and serve now "True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost." - Arthur Ash
May 25 Wrestling event raises money for AuSM programs Special thanks to the American Wrestling Federation, the Western Minnesota Autism Supporters and all of those who supported the wrestling event fundraiser on May 23 at the Montevideo Senior High School Gymnasium. The family-friendly event was action-packed and fun for all! A few kids even had the opportunity to step into the ring to see things first-hand. Todd Schwartzberg, AuSM's Board of Directors President, was honored to be a part of such a great event in support of AuSM's programs and services.
May 22 Trolleys and Treats free family event on July 12 A FREE event sponsored by Anime Twin Cities featuring Minnesota Streetcar Museum trolley rides and Sebastian Joe's ice cream. Experience the thrill of riding a trolley, enjoy some ice cream, and spend some time with Minnesota autism community friends during this exciting, family-friendly July event. AuSM will offer two free half-hour Como-Harriet Streetcar Line ride times on July 12: one at 10:30 a.m. and one at 11:30 a.m. This event is open to families with autism as well as adults with autism. Space is limited; register early! Click here for more information.
May 20 Governor Dayton vetoes education bill Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton vetoed the proposed education bill yesterday, stating the lack of funding for special education as one of the reasons for the veto. AuSM thanks our governor for standing firm and for being an advocate for those in need of special education services in our state. Click here to read Dayton's veto message.
May 11 Last chance to order Twins tickets for Autism Awareness Day at Target Field To celebrate Autism Awareness Day at Target Field, MLB, the Minnesota Twins, and AuSM have teamed up to offer discounted tickets to the May 17 Twins game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Join us to cheer on the Twins with your family and friends! Grandstand or Home Run Porch View seats are $16. $3 per ticket will be donated to AuSM. Ticket holders also will be invited to participate in an on-field parade before the game. Wednesday, May 13 is the final day to order tickets for this exciting event. Click here for information on ordering your tickets today!
May 11 2015 Autism Awareness Day with AuSM at Valleyfair As part of its partnership with AuSM, Valleyfair will host Autism Awareness Day on Sunday, May 31. Discount tickets for the day are $25.99 - a savings of more than 40% off regular gate admission! A portion of tickets purchased through this link will be donated to AuSM.
May 11 Joey's Ride 2015, great weather, great success Thank you to all organizers and volunteers for planning a fantastic Joey's Ride Saturday! The weather was perfect, and the camaraderie the best for the great motorcycle ride. All proceeds will benefit AuSM's program and services for the Minnesota autism community.
May 06 What are you going to do for fun this summer? The end of the school year is approaching, and now is the perfect time to get registered for some summer fun. AuSM has a wide variety of summer social skills classes available for youth and young adults with autism including Como Zoo Skills; Outdoor Adventure Skills with Eastman Nature Center; AuSM Camps with the Minnesota Zoo; AuSM Artists with the Minneapolis Institute of Arts; AuSM On the Town (co-ed session is full; females-only session has openings); AuSM Social Connections in the West Metro; and Islands of Brilliance, a design technology-focused class. Summer sessions are filling quickly; click on your class of interest and register today!
May 05 Give Local America Day Today is Give Local America Day. Though nonprofit organizations can benefit from these national and statewide days of giving, today we encourage you to donate not because it's Give Local America Day, but rather because AuSM has somehow made a difference in your life and in the life of your loved one with autism. Dollars donated to AuSM stay in our community and build programs and services essential for our individuals and families affected by autism. If you don't have a dollar to give, consider doing something nice for someone today. Donations of time and help are equally important - AuSM is incredibly grateful for our volunteers!! Click here to donate to AuSM.
May 04 Thank you, Minnesota autism community! Thank you to the volunteers, sponsors and participants who helped make the 20th Annual Minnesota Autism Conference and AuSM's inaugural gala, Celebrate AuSM Inspirations, a huge success! Thank you to K102's Muss for being a fantastic emcee, and congratulations to those honored during the program for inspiring our community:Mary Powell,Phil Sievers, Colleen Wieck, Anne Dudley and Ronnie Sprigler.
May 29 Building Community Friendships and Belonging The University of Minnesota and The Arc Greater Twin Cities are beginning a research project focused on how adults with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities and/or autism and live in their parental home can increase their sense of community belonging and membership. Informational meetings will be held in June. For details, click here.
May 23 AuSM closed Memorial Day This Memorial weekend, we honor the heroes who sacrifice so we may know freedom. The AuSM office will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.
May 22 Temple Grandin speaks to hundreds in Minneapolis Thank you to the volunteers and participants who attended Temple Grandin's AuSM Workshop this evening at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Hundreds came to listen to Dr. Grandin's inspirational message. Special thanks Cargill, the workshop's sponsor. It was an evening to remember!
May 18 Sensory friendly opportunities abound AuSM and partnering organizations, including Kids' Hair, MSP Airport, Valleyfair, Minnesota History Center, Children's Theatre Company and Maplewood Mall, are featured on the front page of this morning's Pioneer Press. Learn about the many sensory friendly options available to families and individuals touched by autism. Click here to read the full article.
May 21 Become a counselor for Hand In Hand this summer AuSM is looking for awesome camp counselors for Camp Hand In Hand. Make a difference in the lives of some great kids this summer! Counselors receive training, meals and lodging for the camp session as well as a stipend. The camp is beautiful with modern cabins. E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or click here for more info.
May 12 Free theatre workshop for youth with autism AuSM and the creators of Fidgety Fairy Tales – The Mental Health Musical are teaming up to offer a FREE five-week musical theatre workshop in June and July. Play warm-up games to hone singing and Actor’s Tools (body, voice, and facial expressions) as well as develop a sense of ensemble. The age-specific workshop will include scenes and songs from a fairy tale that has been re-imagined to raise awareness about autism. Click here for more information and to register. Space is limited.
May 06 See Temple Grandin in Minneapolis on May 22 Autism community icon, Temple Gradin, Ph.D. will present an AuSM Workshop on Thursday, May 22: How People with Autism Think and Feel. The event, sponsored by Cargill, will take place at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Click here for more information and to register.
May 06 Enjoy coffee and a treat Stop by Sunrise Banks Park Perks coffee bar during May (2300 Como Ave., St. Paul) for a coffee/cookie for $1 or latte/cookie for $2. All proceeds will go to AuSM!
May 05 Joey's Ride a revved up success for autism A fantastic group of autism community supporters joined forces yesterday for the 6th Annual Joey's Ride for Autism. 100% of proceeds will be donated to AuSM. Thank you for your time, generosity and a great ride!
May 05 Thank you, autism conference participants! Thank you, conference volunteers, speakers, exhibitors, participants and sponsors for supporting the 19th Annual Minnesota Autism Conference.
May 22 Birthday boy celebrates AuSM Special thanks to Jon James Wiebusch for his birthday gift to AuSM. In lieu of gifts for his 9th birthday, Jon asked for donations to AuSM in support of one of his classmates who has autism. Jon donated a total of $70 in April. Thank you, Jon. Your donation makes a difference in the lives of those touched by autism! Click here to learn how you can support the Minnesota autism community.
May 18 Autism diagnosis criteria changes go into effect today The American Psychiatric Association is releasing the fifth edition of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) today, which provides standard criteria for the classification of mental disorders by mental health professionals across the United States. One significant change in DSM-5 is new classification criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and the elimination of the diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome, which will be reclassified as part of ASD. Continue Reading
May 17 AuSM Action Alert - Act now to ensure safe schools "The Safe and Supportive Minnesota Schools Act" (bullying prevention bill) needs to be scheduled for a floor vote by the MN Senate and time is running out. The 2013 session ends this Monday, May 20. Without a floor vote in the Senate, the bill will not pass this year. Please contact Senator Thomas Bakk, the Senate majority leader, at 651.296.8881 or e-mail him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Urge Senator Bakk to schedule the vote for The Safe and Supportive Minnesota Schools Act. Schools, students and families of Minnesota are depending on the Legislature to pass a law that leads the way in creating safe school environments for all. If you have trouble getting your e-mail to go through to the address above, you can contact Senator Bakk through this website link: http://www.senate.mn/senatorbakkemail.
May 06 Thanks, Joey's Ride! AuSM extends a special thanks to Ronnie Sprigler and all of those who organized and participated in the 5th Annual Joey's Ride for individuals with autism! Saturday was a beautiful day to get revved up, take a ride and enjoy great food and entertainment. Thank you for being so AuSM!
May 06 AuSM on the Iron Range Diane Mikolich and the Arc Range invited AuSM to present AuSM ASD 101, Challenging Behavior Solutions and Inside Asperger's Discovery Series on the Iron Range last week. Jonah Weinberg, Dawn Steigauf and Nora Slawik in Chisolm at the Discovery Center.
