Workshops
AuSM workshops are offered throughout the year and offer insight from experts on autism-related topics. You’ll find information for family members, educators, professionals, and of course autistic individuals. Registration opens September 3.
Upcoming AuSM Workshops
All workshops are presented virtually unless otherwise noted.
All AuSM members receive a $20 coupon towards a class or workshop of their choice!
Please note that pricing is listed as follows:
- NM=Non-member
- M=Member
- A=Autistic individual
Featured Workshop: Working While Autistic
Join us October 9 to understand key employment issues affecting the autism community and practical strategies for getting and keeping meaningful employment opportunities. Recording available for purchase through November 9.
Your Vote Matters
Recording available for purchase until the 2024 election
Presented by: Jillian Nelson (she/her)
Pricing: Pay what you can
With an upcoming election on the horizon, it’s more important than ever to make sure your voice is heard—especially if you’re part of the disability or autism community. This workshop will guide you through the essential steps to becoming an informed voter. You’ll learn how to research candidates and issues from a bipartisan perspective, focusing on what matters most to you. Plus, we’ll cover key issues that directly impact the autism community, so you can vote with confidence. From registering to vote to preparing for election day, we’ve got you covered. Make your vote count!
Jillian Nelson, Community Resource and Policy Advocate at AuSM, was diagnosed with autism as a young adult. With a degree in human services and a background in self-advocacy, she has dedicated her career to helping others with autism achieve their goals, advocating for system change, and spreading a message of education and autism acceptance. Nelson is a Humphrey Policy Fellowship alumna and Registered Lobbyist and has worked in employment services helping others with autism secure and retain appropriate, successful employment.
Guardianship: What You Need to Know
Date: Nov. 19, 2024; 7-8:30 p.m.
Presented by: Jason Schellack (he/him)
Pricing: $25 (NM), $15 (M), $10 (A)
At 18, a young person is legally recognized as an adult, but not everyone is fully prepared for the responsibilities that come with it. For many autistic individuals, ongoing support is needed in areas like IEPs, transition services, medical decision-making, and applying for government benefits. To continue providing this crucial support, some families choose to establish legal guardianship.
In this workshop, you’ll explore the guardianship legal process, learn about limited guardianship options, and discover how some families may qualify for free legal assistance. We’ll also cover the powers and responsibilities of guardians under Minnesota law, as well as the process for selecting and appointing successor guardians.
Jason Schellack is the Managing Attorney at the Autism Advocacy & Law Center, LLC, a law firm dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities and their families. Schellack has worked with individuals with autism as a camp counselor, personal care attendant, public defender, and legal advocate. He practices primarily in the areas of guardianship, estate planning, family law, and special education law. Schellack is licensed to practice law in the State of Minnesota, as well as federal district court.
Featured Workshop: Executive Function Essentials - Practical Tools for Everyday Life
Dec. 5, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Join AuSM and the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin for a neurodivergent-friendly look at executive function with tools, tips, and strategies to work with your brain.
Minnesota Service Navigation
Date: Dec. 17, 2024; 7-8:30 p.m.
Presented by: Jillian Nelson (she/her)
Pricing: $25 (NM), $15 (M), $10 (A)
Join Jillian Nelson, AuSM’s Community Resource and Public Policy Advocate, for an insightful session on navigating Minnesota’s service system. As an autistic adult herself, Jillian offers a unique and valuable perspective on the process. In this class, you’ll learn about the range of services available and discover which ones might be the best fit for you or your loved ones. While services vary from person to person, and Jillian can’t determine specific qualifications, she will guide you through the process of finding out what you’re eligible for and how to access the support you need in Minnesota.
Jillian Nelson, Community Resource and Policy Advocate at AuSM, was diagnosed with autism as a young adult. With a degree in human services and a background in self-advocacy, she has dedicated her career to helping others with autism achieve their goals, advocating for system change, and spreading a message of education and autism acceptance. Nelson is a Humphrey Policy Fellowship alumna and Registered Lobbyist and has worked in employment services helping others with autism secure and retain appropriate, successful employment.
Accessing ASD Supports and Services in Minnesota
Available to watch at your own pace, in your own space, in your own time at no charge. Increase your awareness of and access to the range of services and supports available to people with autism in Minnesota.
- Minnesota Department of Education (MDE)/Metro Educational Service Cooperative Unit (ECSU)
- Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
- Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS)
- Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)
AuSM Workshops are sponsored by our Premier Partners
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 ten 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.
