MNprov Mixer – 90 minutes of improv games, fun, and new friends for neurodivergent adults 18+
2024-02-21 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-02-28 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-03-06 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-03-13 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-03-20 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-03-27 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-04-03 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-04-10 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) and 6 more dates | Highland Park Community Center, 1978 Ford Pkwy, St Paul, MN, 55116
The MNprov MIXERS are a safe place for neurodivergent adults to have fun, meet new people, increase confidence and decrease stress. No experience is necessary. This event is free.
Improv is inherently inclusive. All members are necessary for the success of the scene, and everyone’s offers are incorporated into the scene. The improv rule of “Yes, and…” allows participants to feel safe & supported and more willing to take risks. As players say “YES” to each other and add their ideas, they will build trust and create something brand new together.
There will be a maximum number of 12 participants. We have a 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: https://mnprov.org/mnprov-mixers
info@mnprov.org
952.649.9699

Highland Park Community Center – Village View Room, 1978 Ford Pkwy

MICC Preview Days
2024-02-22 13:30 - 15:30 | MICC, 7501 LOGAN AVE S. STE 2A, Richfield, MN, 55423
Join MICC for Preview Days, an open house event designed for neurodiverse individuals and those who support their independence journey to learn more about MICC’s unique programs.
Choose from one of four sessions that best fits your schedule:
Tuesday, February 20, or Thursday, February 22
1-3:30 PM, or 4:30-7 PM

Here’s what you can expect from the event:
– Learn more about MICC’s tailored programs for autistic and neurodivergent adults.
– Hear directly from current participants across all our programs, sharing their unique experiences and achievements.
– Take a guided tour of the MICC campus, led by our knowledgeable Participant Ambassadors.
– Engage with a supportive community, including peers and professionals, who are on a similar path as yours.
Registration is required: https://bit.ly/47Ow7bV ; Light refreshments will be available.

Respite Saturday Fun Day
2024-04-13 13:00 - 17:00, 2024-05-11 13:00 - 17:00, 2024-06-08 13:00 - 17:00, 2024-07-13 13:00 - 17:00 | Laura Baker Services Association, 211 Oak Street, Northfield, MN, 55053
Unwind and reset while your loved one enjoys Saturday Fun at Laura Baker Services Association at 1 p.m! This inclusive, four-hour event is catered to individuals ages five and older with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A $20 ticket will include snacks, activities, games and music while socializing and building new connections!
Cost is $20. Fee waivers are available to those who qualify.
Learn more and secure your spot: laurabaker.org/services/family-support
Contact: Atiya Mansfield, mansfield@neuger.com, 612.664.0726

Minnesota State Autism Conference
2024-04-17 - 2024-04-19 | Marriott Minneapolis Airport Hotel, 2020 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
The Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) has curated a wide-ranging slate of autism experts and self-advocates as presenters for its Minnesota State Autism Conference, returning April 17-19, 2024. In addition to keynotes, AuSM’s conference will also feature breakout sessions geared toward autistics, caregivers, educators, advocates, service providers, and support professionals. Between sessions, attendees have access to a resource fair with dozens of supporting exhibitors, as well as the AuSM Shop – an autism-focused store that includes books, sensory-friendly and self-care products, and other resources.

Steps for Autism 2024
2024-05-19 09:00 - 12:00 | ROC at the St. Louis Park Rec Center, 3700 Monterey Drive, St Louis Park, MN, 55416
Steps for Autism is all about supporting our community – and connecting people with services, supports, and each other. Help build an inclusive Minnesota by donating or registering as a fundraiser (or both!) to show your support for autistic people in your life.
DONATE: Step forward with a gift to help support impactful programs and services benefiting Minnesota’s autism community.
FUNDRAISE: Make further impact by stepping up as a fundraiser to help create a more accessible and welcoming community.
ATTEND: Join us May 19 for a resource fair, fun activities, food, entertainment, and community building. Next steps toward autism acceptance start with you.

AuSM Workshop: Minnesota Service Navigation
2024-05-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual Event
Join Jillian Nelson, AuSM’s Community Resource and Public Policy Advocate, as she discusses the nuances of Minnesota service navigation. Jillian will also provide her own perspective of service navigation as an autistic adult. Learn what services are available and which ones may work best for you and your loved ones. Services vary on an individual and family basis; Jillian is not able to provide what an individual will qualify for in services. However, she can walk you through what the process is like and how to find out what someone qualifies for in the state of Minnesota.

Plain Language and Easy Read: An Introduction to Cognitively Accessible Formats
2024-06-06 09:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
This presentation will cover the basics of cognitive accessibility and cognitively accessible formats when writing for autistic people and other people with IDD. We will talk about the difference between plain language and Easy Read, strategies when writing in plain language or Easy Read, and the basics of illustrating and formatting plain language and Easy Read documents. No prior experience in cognitively accessible formats is required; however, please come prepared to try writing in these formats.

Social and Recreation Class: MN Zoo Ocean Odyssey
2024-06-17 13:30 - 2024-06-21 16:30 | Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, MN
Ages 8-11
Dive into an underwater world teeming with sea turtles, sharks, and seahorses. Each day, explore a different ocean habitat including coral reefs, tide pools, and estuaries.

Helping Your Child with ASD Learn to Ride a Bike
2024-06-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Autism Society of Minnesota, 2380 Wycliff St. Ste. 102, Saint Paul, MN, 55114, United States
Challenges with body awareness, balance and motor control, and hand-eye coordination can make riding a bike difficult. Learn a number of tips for successful bike riding including purchasing equipment, making bike adjustments, breaking down riding into smaller steps, clothing protection, practice makes perfect pedaling, staying positive and patient, and working toward the sense of independence and accomplishment that your child will experience when learning to ride his or her own bike.

AuSM Professional Networking Group
2024-06-20 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-07-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
If you’re a professional who works with autistic clients – or are working towards your licensure so you can – AuSM’s Counseling and Consulting team has a resource to help you connect with therapists in our space. AuSM’s Professional Networking Group offers a chance for therapists to meet with other professionals who see clients with autism to ask questions, share cases, and build peer-to-peer relationships.
This group is meant for:

Therapists
Psychologists
Occupational therapists
Psychiatrists
Social workers
Case managers
Healthcare providers

As we meet, one member of AuSM’s staff will share an anonymized case study, then open the group for others to share relevant experiences that we can all learn from. This is a great opportunity to troubleshoot your problems and learn from the wisdom of other professionals as we work through challenging cases.
With increased diagnosis of autism, therapists are becoming aware that they need to increase competency in serving these clients; this group can help. We paused this networking group during the pandemic, but now it’s time we pick it back up. Like you, we’ve learned a lot since this group last met. Eager to likewise learn and share? Let’s talk it out – and then keep it going.

Social and Recreation Class: MN Zoo Photo Safari
2024-06-24 13:30 - 2024-06-28 16:30 | Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, MN
Ages 12-15
Pack your field bag and camera (both provided) to explore Zoo animals and the countries their wild kin call home. Practice taking photos and field notes to help see animals in a whole new light. A link to view and download camper photos will be emailed at the end of camp. Our animals are ready for their closeup— are you?

Social and Recreation Class: MN Zoo Zoology
2024-07-08 08:30 - 2024-07-12 23:30 | Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, MN
Ages 16-19
Get a glimpse into the most popular major for zoo professionals. The animal kingdom is a big and fascinating world to discover, and the Zoo is the perfect place to investigate. Explore the diversity of the animal kingdom through special talks and animal behavior studies.

Social and Recreation Class: Lowry Nature Center
2024-07-15 09:30 - 2024-07-18 12:00 | Lowry Nature Center, 7025 Nature Center Dr., Victoria, MN, 55386, United States
Explore the forest, pond, and prairie habitats! Build a survival shelter with other campers. Start a campfire using different techniques and make a s’more. Try canoeing in our nearby lake. Meet our resident animals. Gain skills to navigate and overcome obstacles in the forest. Make friends and engage with others during safe, off-trail adventures away from the comforts of home. This program is entirely outdoors.
Registration is through Three Rivers Park District.
SUMMER TEEN SESSION: Ages 13-18
Consecutive days, July 15-18, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Enrollment code: 5LNC5215
Click here to register.
SUMMER YOUTH SESSION: Ages 8-12
Consecutive days, July 15-18, 1-3 p.m.
Enrollment code: 5LNC5216
Click here to register.
