Sensory Friendly Art Club
2026-03-12 16:30 - 18:00, 2026-03-19 16:30 - 18:00, 2026-03-26 16:30 - 18:00, 2026-04-02 16:30 - 18:00, 2026-04-09 16:30 - 18:00, 2026-04-16 16:30 - 18:00, 2026-04-23 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Mess Hall Arts, 906 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN, 55343, United States
This Art club is being put on between the collaboration of Mess Hall Arts and the Down Syndrome Association of MN.
This curriculum is designed for 5th-9th graders focusing on Sensory Exploration. Each class is focused on 1 or more sensory experience through art and creation. We use Paint, Clay, Recycled Materials, Found Objects and more to create art pieces each class. We focus on Process not product so that each child feels accomplished and has something to take home at the end of each class.

2026-03-12 18:30 - 19:30 | Virtual Event
Join us for an inspiring session with Dr. Kevin Schultz of Invigorate Family Chiropractic! Dr. Kevin will explain how neurological based chiropractic care can support and improve the lives of neurodiverse children. He’ll discuss the potential benefits, signs that chiropractic care may be a good fit for your child, and what you can expect during care. It’s a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and explore new ways to support your child’s well-being. Can’t wait to see you there!
Location: Virtual
Registration: Please register at least one week in advance. Contact the Family Caregiver Specialist (see below) for last-minute registration.
Please call the Family Caregiver Specialist at (952) 513-4990 or events@partnersmn.com with any questions or assistance with registration.
This event is open to the community to join. Please register to receive the invite to join virtually.

March Resource Night: A Neurodiverse Approach to Neurologically focused Chiropractic Care
2026-03-12 18:30 - 19:30 | Virtual Event
Join us for an inspiring session with Dr. Kevin Schultz of Invigorate Family Chiropractic! Dr. Kevin will explain how neurological based chiropractic care can support and improve the lives of neurodiverse children. He’ll discuss the potential benefits, signs that chiropractic care may be a good fit for your child, and what you can expect during care. It’s a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and explore new ways to support your child’s well-being. Can’t wait to see you there!
Registration: Please register at least one week in advance. Contact the Family Caregiver Specialist (see below) for last-minute registration.
Please call the Family Caregiver Specialist at (952) 513-4990 or events@partnersmn.com with any questions or assistance with registration.
This event is open to the community to join. Please register to receive the invite to join virtually.
Disclaimer: Resource Nights at Partners In Excellence are designed to connect service providers and resources with caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities. While Partners In Excellence strives to host qualified guest presenters who provide valuable information and resources, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or appropriateness of the actions and statements made by these presenters.
Please note that Resource Nights are not intended to serve as therapeutic services, and we do not offer medical recommendations. We strongly encourage all participants seeking medical advice to consult their child’s healthcare provider.
Please be advised that this event may be recorded for informational and educational purposes. By attending, you acknowledge and consent to the recording of your image, voice, and any questions or comments you may share during the session. The recording may be used for future viewing, training, or promotional purposes. If you prefer not to be recorded, please take appropriate measures such as turning off your camera and refraining from speaking during the session. There will be time for discussion at the end, at which point the recording will be turned off.

MNprov Mixers (in-person) for Adults (18+)
2026-03-12 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-03-19 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-03-26 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-04-02 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-04-09 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-04-16 18:30 - 20:00 | Youth Performance Company, 641 Fairview Ave N Suite 191, Saint Paul, MN, 55104, United States
At MNprov, we believe the magic of improv isn’t just about laughs (though there’s plenty of that) — it’s about building connections, confidence, and creativity. And doing so in a way that’s accessible to everyone. Our goal is to empower diverse learners to build social-emotional skills, resilience, and meaningful connections through the art of improv. And guess what? It works!
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.

C.A.S.T. (Creative, Accepting, Sensory Friendly, Theatre) Winter Theatre Classes
2026-03-14 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-03-21 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-03-28 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-04-04 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-04-11 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-04-18 09:00 - 10:30 | Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins, MN
C.A.S.T. is a year-round educational theatre arts program dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming and comfortable environment for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other sensory sensitivities for Grades 2-12. The program is designed for youth with autism that would like to make new friends, explore deeper levels of communication and self-expression, creatively work on social skills, and develop acting skills and improvisation techniques.
STC teaching artists have direct experience teaching youth with autism, hold Direct Support Certification through AuSM, and are compassionate and flexible educators. Students are welcome to bring fidgets, headphones, and any other supports they may prefer to have with them in class. A designated take-a-break space will be provided for each class, as well.
Dates and Times:
Saturdays from 1/24/2026 through 3/14/2026 from 9-10:30 am (Grades 6-8), 11 am – 12:30 pm (Grades 9-12), and 1-2:30 pm (Grades 2-5)

Understanding the Medical and Biological Aspects of Autism
2026-03-19 09:30 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
This interdisciplinary learning session brings together clinicians and researchers from Children’s Hospital Minnesota to offer a clear, evidence-based overview of the medical and biological aspects of autism. Designed for both professionals and individuals with a personal interest, the session will review accepted and emerging research on causes and genetic heritability, common co-occurring conditions, neurology, sleep, and relevant approaches to medical management. Grounded in respect and curiosity, the core purpose of the session is to address and reduce misinformation about autism—without judgment—by sharing what is known, what is still being studied, and how this knowledge can support informed understanding, care, and conversation.

BIPOC Parents of Children with Autism Support Group
2026-03-19 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-04-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
BIPOC parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder gather to discuss challenges, triumphs, and strategies for support. This group is welcome to all parents and caregivers of kids with disabilities who identify as black, indigenous, and people of color.

The Girl Who Drank the Moon - Stages Theatre Company Sensory Friendly
2026-04-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins, MN
Stages Theatre Company’s Sensory Friendly Performances are designed for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, as well as those with other sensory, social, cognitive disabilities and mental health diagnoses.
Sensory Modifications include:
– Light in the theatre will remain on throughout the performance.
– Loud noises and intense lighting will be lowered or removed.
– Crowds are minimized, audience members can move around throughout the performance.
– Fidgets and noise-cancelling headphones are encouraged and available. Audience members are welcome to bring their own manipulatives, seat cushions, comfort objects, and extra support items to the show.
– Social Narrative, and Plot Summaries will be provided in advance before each Sensory Friendly Performance.
– A Take-A-Break Space will be available to use throughout the performance, which is equipped with sensory supports.

Sensory Friendly Hours at the Minnesota Transportation Museum
2026-04-04 13:00 - 16:00 | Minnesota Transportation Museum, 193 Pennsylvania Ave, St Paul, MN, 55130
The Minnesota Transportation Museum is committed to welcoming all train enthusiasts! From 1-4pm on the first Saturday of the month, noises and lights in the museum will be minimized and sensory tools will be available to borrow. Sensory tools will also be available on our short caboose ride (included in admission). The admission cost for an adult is $15, student (6-16) is $10, and preschooler (3-5) is $5.

AuSM Professional Networking Group
2026-04-09 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.

Increasing Safety, Security, and Independence with AngelSense
2026-04-09 18:30 - 19:30 | Virtual Event
AngelSense assistive technology has been increasing safety, security, and independence for children, adults, and families since 2013. With sensory-friendly wearing options and AI technology, AngelSense devices allow families to view their child’s location, receive smart-alerts, talk to their child, and more. Hasmig will join us to discuss AngelSense devices and share success stories.
Presenter: Hasmig Tempesta, Community Outreach Coordinator at AngelSense
Registration: Please register at least one week in advance. Contact the Family Caregiver Specialist (see below) for last-minute registration.
Please call the Family Caregiver Specialist at (952) 513-4990 or events@partnersmn.com with any questions or assistance with registration.
This event is open to the community to join. Please register to receive the invite to join virtually.
Disclaimer: Resource Nights at Partners In Excellence are designed to connect service providers and resources with caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities. While Partners In Excellence strives to host qualified guest presenters who provide valuable information and resources, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or appropriateness of the actions and statements made by these presenters.
Please note that Resource Nights are not intended to serve as therapeutic services, and we do not offer medical recommendations. We strongly encourage all participants seeking medical advice to consult their child’s healthcare provider.

Evolve: Boho Chic Cowgirl Spring Fashion Show and Pop-Up
2026-04-11 18:00 - 21:30 | 3924 West 50th Street, Edina, MN 55424, 3924 West 50th Street, Edina, MN, 55424, United States
In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Autism Society of Minnesota
Presented by:

The Fitting Room
Edina Magazine
50th & France

Understanding Autism
2026-04-13 10:00 - 11:00 | 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.
