Social Skills Classes
AuSM offers year-round social skills classes and recreation programs for youth, teens, and adults with autism.
About AuSM Classes
AuSM programs are conducive to youth and adults who fall within the wide range of the autism spectrum. Social skills classes are staffed at a 1:4 staff-to-participant ratio. If an individual is able to participate safely in a program but requires more support than 1:4 staffing provides, the individual may bring a Direct Support Professional (DSP). The DSP will be responsible for supporting the individual with communication, behavior, and daily living skills. Call 651.647.1083 ext. 26 or e-mail education@ausm.org for more information. AuSM is committed to making your class experience positive and rewarding.
AuSM Social Skills Fun
On these pages, you’ll find options for spring and summer activities designed to meet the needs of youth and adults with autism. We celebrate individuals with autism by continuing to offer a welcoming place to learn, access services, and develop skills for navigating emotions, information, and life. Keep connected with AuSM and this amazing community by joining us for a class or a sensory-friendly event.
2022 Summer Social Skills Classes
Summer Recreation
Ages 12-24
Engage in nature activities, museum and zoo visits, and other activities to foster learning, friendships, and fun.
This class is full.
Improv Skills
Ages 14-26
Have fun while learning how to respond to the unexpected, engage in reciprocal interactions, and support fellow participants in keeping a scene moving forward.
This class is full.
Lowry Nature Center
Ages 13-18
Explore the forest, pond, and prairie; build a shelter; start a campfire; meet animal ambassadors; and learn new skills.
This class is full.
Toneworks Music and Design
Ages 6-20
Work together to create interactive art exhibits using different creative arts mediums. Rotations include exhibit design, music, movement, and visual art.
This class is full.
Mia Budding Artists
Ages 11-18
Be inspired by the art seen in the galleries and make your own masterpieces in the studio while practicing social skills and making friends.
This class is full.
Minnesota Zoo Fun
Ages 8-19
Summer camp opportunities with the Minnesota Zoo include Ocean Odyssey, Wildlife Agents, and Wildlife Heroes.
Duluth Summer Social Skills
Zookeeper Camp for Youth with Autism
Ages 8-12
Learn what it’s like to be a zookeeper by preparing animal meals, making enrichments, cleaning exhibits, observing animal training, and more!
Explore Duluth
Ages 10+
Join AuSM to make new friends while exploring all that Duluth has to offer! You’ll play board games, go hiking, try photography, and participate in team-building adventures.
COVID Safety Plan
Per Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) regulations, AuSM has developed plans and activities that allow for proper health practices while still engaging with one another and having fun. Registration forms for classes and programs with in-person components will include safety guidelines and a waiver form.
AuSM developed a social narrative to support the practice of wearing a mask that supports safety during in-person classes and programs.
AuSM Scholarships
AuSM wants to make its programs and services available to as many individuals as possible. Scholarships for AuSM Social Skills classes and Camps, AuSM memberships, workshops, the Annual Minnesota Autism Conference, the Autistic Community Summit, and more are available for those who qualify. Scholarship applications are available on registration forms for events and activities where scholarship dollars are available.
Waivers
Check with your county case manager to learn if your selected class, camp, or program can be paid for under the Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS); Brain Injury (BI); Community Alternative Care (CAC); or Developmental Disability (DD) waivers. By registering for an AuSM class, camp, or program, you agree to pay in full any amount not covered by the Third Party Payer.
Cancellation Policy
Notification of cancellation: If an event or class is cancelled or postponed, AuSM will attempt to notify you via phone, using the phone number provided with your registration. We also will post notice of cancellations and postponements on www.ausm.org.
Cancellation by registrant: Refunds less a $25 processing fee will be given for cancellations received in writing to info@ausm.org seven business days prior to the start of the event or class. Following this date, no refunds will be given. Requests for transfer of registration to another individual will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Cancellation by program organizer: AuSM reserves the right to cancel an event or class due to low registrations or other circumstances that make the event or class non-viable. If AuSM cancels an event or class, registrants will be offered a full refund. If the event or class is postponed, registrants will have the option to either receive a full refund or transfer registration to the same event or class at the new, future date.
