AuSM

MNprov Mixers - Virtual
2024-12-18 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Event
The MNprov Mixers are a safe place for neurodivergent adults (18+) to have fun, meet new people, increase confidence, and decrease stress. No experience necessary. This event is FREE. Come every week, or only once, or somewhere in-between.
Improv is inherently inclusive. All participants are needed for a scene to succeed, and everyone’s suggestions are incorporated into the scene. The improv rule of “Yes, and . . .” allows participants to feel safe and supported and more willing to take risks. As players say “YES” to each other and add their own ideas, they build trust and create something brand new together.
This is a small group activity with fewer than 20 participants. Individuals are welcome to take breaks as needed. Participants are encouraged to let us know how we can best support them. Because this is on ZOOM, participants from greater Minnesota have an accessible way to attend.
A social narrative about the MNprov Mixers workshops and a registration link can be found on our website.
952.649.9699, catherine@mnprov.org

Winter MNprov Mixers -- In-Person
2024-12-19 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-12-26 18:30 - 20:00 | Eagan Community Center
The MNprov Mixers are a safe place for neurodivergent adults (18+) to have fun, meet new people, increase confidence, and decrease stress. No experience necessary. This event is FREE. Come every week, or only once, or somewhere in-between.
Improv is inherently inclusive. All participants are needed for a scene to succeed, and everyone’s suggestions are incorporated into the scene. The improv rule of “Yes, and . . .” allows participants to feel safe and supported and more willing to take risks. As players say “YES” to each other and add their own ideas, they build trust and create something brand new together.
This is a small group activity with fewer than 20 participants. We have sensory items (created by AUSM) that are available at our workshops. Individuals are welcome to take breaks as needed. Lighting can be adjusted to meet needs. Participants are encouraged to let us know how we can best support them.
A social narrative about the MNprov Mixers workshops and a registration link can be found on our website.
952.649.9699, catherine@mnprov.org

Maximizing Your Disability Services
2025-01-24 09:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
Join us for a workshop focused on empowering individuals with disabilities and their families in Minnesota through person-centered planning and innovative approaches. This session will guide participants on how to leverage available disability services effectively while fostering a personalized, strengths-based approach to support and services.
Key topics include:

Introduction to Person-Centered Planning: Learn the principles and practices of person-centered planning that prioritize individual goals, preferences, and aspirations, allowing you to create a tailored support plan.
Creative Solutions for Everyday Challenges: Discover unique strategies and resourceful ideas to overcome barriers in accessing services and achieving personal goals. Participants will share success stories and brainstorm creative solutions together.
Navigating the System: Gain insights into the array of available services—Including: housing, community supports, employment support and more—and how to effectively advocate for what best fits your needs.
Effective Communication with Service Providers: Develop tools to communicate your needs effectively, ensuring that your voice is heard and incorporated into service planning.
Empowerment and Self-Advocacy: Strengthen your self-advocacy skills to inspire confidence in navigating the disability services landscape.

This workshop aims to equip you with practical knowledge, skills, and creative ideas to navigate disability services in Minnesota successfully. Together, we’ll explore new avenues for achieving independence, fulfillment, and personal growth.

Understanding Autism
2025-02-10 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-03-10 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-04-14 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-12 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-06-09 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-07-14 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-08-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
Understanding Autism is AuSM’s introductory class. You’ll learn all about the diagnosis, common characteristics, and some basic evidenced-based best practices to support autistic individuals and sensory processing sensitivities. Each session lasts one hour with time for you to ask specific questions.
Who Should Participate
Caregivers, parents, grandparents, group home and day program staff, Personal Care Attendants, and health care staff will benefit from this class. *Note, this is a single-session class. Content is the same for all sessions. AuSM offers these sessions at different times to accommodate as many schedules as possible. When registering, select the session that works best for you.

AuSM Adult Coffee Club
2025-02-11 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-03-11 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-04-08 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-05-13 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-06-10 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-07-08 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-08-12 16:00 - 18:00 | Dogwood Coffee, 2700 University Ave W Suite 100, Saint Paul, MN, 55114, United States
Coffee Club is a space where autistic and neurodiverse adults can connect with each other, foster friendships, and build community while enjoying a favorite beverage and/or snack. Adults are welcome to bring items that make them feel comfortable, can stay as long as they’d like, stim, and parallel play. We ask that participants purchase something from our venues.
AuSM will provide a concierge staff person to help assist with questions, check-in, help with ordering, and manage any issues that arise during the club. AuSM will provide a number of resources, including a social narrative providing club details, parking info, menus, and more. Due to staffing, AuSM is unable to provide one-to-one support, however it is encouraged to bring your own PCA or support person if needed.

What's New With the Zones of Regulation?
2025-03-06 09:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
Join us for an engaging 2-hour webinar with Leah Kuypers, the visionary behind The Zones of Regulation. This session will unveil the updated Zones of Regulation Digital Curriculum, highlighting its evolved framework and enriched resources designed for effective teaching and learning. Discover how the Digital Curriculum incorporates the latest research, neurodiverse-affirming practices, and Universal Design for Learning to create a meaningful and impactful experience for learners with diverse support needs. You’ll also receive a guided tour of the new Zones curriculum, showcasing its interactive features, updated visuals, and expanded resources. The webinar includes an exclusive interview with Leah, where she’ll share her insights and answer your questions, empowering you to confidently embrace the next chapter of The Zones of Regulation.

Policy Power: Advocacy Skills For an Inclusive Future
2025-03-15 10:00 - 13:30, 2025-03-22 10:00 - 13:30, 2025-03-29 10:00 - 13:30 | Autism Society of Minnesota, 2380 Wycliff St. Ste. 102, Saint Paul, MN, 55114, United States
Dive into the world of civic engagement and disability advocacy in this dynamic, three-session course led by AuSM’s Policy Director. Tailored for adults with autism and their allies, this program welcomes participants from intersecting marginalized communities and will provide accommodations to ensure accessibility and inclusion.
The course begins with an exploration of disability history in the U.S., celebrating civil rights victories while identifying ongoing challenges in areas like education, healthcare, employment, and housing. Participants will collaborate on projects to envision policy changes and will gain an understanding of how ideas transform into laws.
Session 2 shifts to hands-on practice, where participants present individual ideas, form workgroups around shared goals, and draft mock legislation. They’ll also learn key advocacy skills, such as storytelling, meeting facilitation, and lobbying regulations.
In the final session, a current or former state legislator will join to provide real-world insights and feedback during mock meetings. Participants will leave with concrete advocacy tools, established coalitions, and actionable goals to drive future change for the disability community.
Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just starting your civic journey, this course equips you with the knowledge, skills, and connections to make a lasting impact.

30th Annual Minnesota Autism Conference
2025-04-16 - 2025-04-18 | Doubletree Hilton Minneapolis Airport Hotel, 2020 American Blvd. E, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
The 30th Annual Minnesota Autism Conference will be held April 16-18, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis Airport Hotel. Join us for this landmark gathering to access the latest insights and resources on autism in one place. This year’s conference will feature inspiring keynote speakers and informative breakout sessions designed for autistics, family members, educators, and professionals alike.

Autism Certification
2025-05-09 09:30 - 12:30, 2025-05-16 09:30 - 12:30, 2025-05-23 09:30 - 12:30 | Virtual Event
This certificate program is designed to prepare professionals, educators, caregivers, and service providers, to provide direct support to people impacted by autism. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the autism diagnosis, the issues affecting autistic people, and some of AuSM’s favorite support strategies. This three-part series is ideal for support staff, PCAs, group home staff, educational aides, and anyone who works directly with autistic individuals. Individuals on the spectrum also are welcome and encouraged to attend to increase their self-awareness and to share their unique perspectives. Email education@ausm.org for information about discounted group rates.
Training Objectives

Understand Autism Spectrum Disorder and how autism can affect communication, relationships, and behavior.
Explore the social issues impacting the autism community and how you can help autistic people thrive.
Apply evidence-based practices to support autistic people experiencing challenges.

Who Should Participate?

Job coaches
Support staff
Personal Care Attendants (PCAs)
EIDBI Tier 3 providers
Educational aides
Direct support personnel
Group home staff
Day training and habilitation professionals
Anyone who works directly with individuals with autism
Individuals with autism

Each session is limited to 15 participants. Licensed professionals may submit documentation from the AuSM Autism Direct Support Certification Program to licensing boards for Continuing Education Unit (CEU) consideration (up to 15 hours).

Steps for Autism 2025
2025-05-18 09:00 - 12:00 | ROC at the St. Louis Park Rec Center, 3700 Monterey Drive, St Louis Park, MN, 55416
Join us for the 25th Annual Steps for Autism in Minnesota from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on Sunday, May 18 at the ROC at the St. Louis Park Rec Center. You’ll experience fun activities, an autism resource fair, and opportunities for community connections.
What to Expect at Steps for Autism:
Resource Fair – Connect with organizations that offer services, programs, and support for the autism community.
Stage Show & Costumed Characters – Enjoy entertainment and engaging performances for all ages.
Fun and Inclusive Activities – Participate in interactive experiences designed for all abilities.
Community Building – Join families, autistic individuals, and allies in a welcoming, inclusive space.

Workshop: Neurodivergent Intimacy
2025-06-06 09:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
Explore relationships, sex, and intimacy with a neurodiversity-affirming perspective. Drawing from a wide range of relationship structures, including LGBTQ+, BDSM, polyamory, and more, this workshop will give you tools for improved communication and healthy boundaries. You will learn how to communicate your needs and support your partner(s) in long-term relationships or short-term relationships. This workshop is for neurodivergent people, including autistic adults, and their partners, including neurotypicals. The discussion will include mentions of sex, and is intended for adults.
Objectives:
By the end of the session, participants will…

Understand boundaries and consent.
Consider a range of relationship structures.
Gain communication skills and tools to support fulfilling relationships.

Workshop: Demystifying "The Sex Talk"
2025-07-31 09:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
Current research undeniably supports the value of comprehensive sexuality education, with benefits ranging from reduced rates of unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, to decreased instances of sexual harm, to a positive impact on global climate change; however, these important conversations are often not inclusive of autistic and neurodivergent individuals. This is not only because health class is often deprioritized for these students, but also because sexuality topics like consent and healthy relationships are often covered through the lens of unwritten and assumed social rules. This often leaves both autistic individuals and their support system feeling underequipped to discuss important topics like consent, boundaries, healthy relationships, and socially appropriate behaviors within those relationships. This workshop aims to demystify those topics and provide tangible tools for their discussion.

Autism Certification Summer Session
2025-08-22 09:30 - 12:30 | Virtual Event
