Plain Language and Easy Read: An Introduction to Cognitively Accessible Formats
2024-06-06 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Respite Saturday Fun Day
2024-06-08 13:00 - 17:00, 2024-07-13 13:00 - 17:00, 2024-08-10 13:00 - 17:00, 2024-09-14 13:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-12 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

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, 2024-08-15 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-19 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-10-17 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-11-14 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.

CsZ Improv Skills Social and Recreation Class
2024-07-22 13:00 - 2024-07-26 16:30 | HUGE Theater, 2728 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55408, United States
AuSM is pleased to continue its partnership with CSz Twin Cities to offer classes based on the principles of improvisational theater. Have fun while learning how to respond to the unexpected, engage in reciprocal interactions, and support fellow participants in keeping a scene moving forward. No prior improv experience is necessary.
SUMMER SESSION
Beginner: 1-2:30 p.m.
Advanced: 3-4:30 p.m.

Ride for Hope
2024-07-27 09:00 - 18:00 | MN
Sixteen years ago, a group of motorcycle enthusiasts at Lube-Tech came together with a shared passion for riding and a desire to support a teammate whose family was newly introduced to the autism community. Out of this initiative, Ride for Hope was born, marking the beginning of a enduring collaboration with AuSM.
Today, we take pride in our ongoing commitment to bolster the impactful efforts of AuSM within Minnesota, aiding our autism community.
This year’s Ride for Hope is a motorcycle ride that benefits AuSM. Starting at 9 a.m. on July 27, this year’s ride includes four stops and wraps up with live music, meat raffle, dinner, and a classic car competition at The V by HH.

Social and Recreation Class: Toneworks
2024-07-29 09:00 - 2024-08-02 16:00 | Toneworks Music Therapy, 5600 Lincoln Dr. #280, Minneapolis, MN, 55436, United States
Work together to create interactive art exhibits using different creative arts mediums. Rotations include exhibit design, music, movement, and visual art. Each rotation is led by a teaching artist or therapist with extensive experience working with youth of all ages and ability levels.
SUMMER MORNING SESSION (Ages 6-12):
Consecutive Days July 29-August 2 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
SUMMER AFTERNOON SESSION (Ages 13-20):
Consecutive Days July 29-August 2 from 1-4 p.m.

Social and Recreation Class: Mia AuSM Artists
2024-08-05 09:30 - 2024-08-09 12:00 | Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
Ages 12-18
Be inspired by the art seen in the galleries and make your own masterpieces in the studio while practicing social skills and making friends. Learn about new materials from air-dry clay to acrylic paints.

AuSM Jigsaw Puzzle Competition and Autism Resource Fair
2024-09-28 08:30 - 15:30 | Mall of America Huntington Rotunda
Our 2024 AuSM Puzzle Competition will be held on September 28. This exciting event brings together puzzle enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels for a day of fun, teamwork, and friendly competition. Whether you’re a seasoned puzzler or just looking for a fun family activity, this event has something for everyone.
The competition will include an autism resources fair in the Huntington Bank Rotunda and an exciting live audience to cheer on our puzzling teams. Join a community of puzzle enthusiasts who share your passion and support a great cause. This event helps raise awareness and funds for the Autism Society of Minnesota, supporting individuals with autism and their families.

Workshop: Working While Autistic
2024-10-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
Professional success is possible for every autistic adult. In this workshop, intended for autistic adults and those who support them, you will gain an understanding of key employment issues affecting the autism community and practical strategies for getting and keeping meaningful employment opportunities. We will explore topics like career advancement, job searches, resume building, interviewing, job performance, disclosure, and accommodations from a neurodivergent perspective.
Objectives
Participants will…
1. Consider their career goals and priorities
2. Demonstrate and understanding of the job search and interview process
3. Identify strategies that support success in the workplace
4. Understand what to consider when disclosing disabilities and seeking reasonable accommodations

TEApoyo and MAAN Special Education Series
2024-10-09 13:30 - 15:30, 2024-10-16 13:30 - 15:30, 2024-10-23 13:30 - 15:30 | Virtual Event
We are excited to remind you about our new learning series for parents and families, in collaboration between TEApoyo MN and the Multicultural Autism Action Network. These workshops are designed to help you better understand the educational rights of children and youth with disabilities and how to access and advocate for the necessary supports at school. 🧠💡
Here is the full schedule so you don’t miss any of our sessions:
📅 Dates and Topics:
· Wednesday, October 2
What is an IEP and How to Request One?
🕒 1:30pm – 3:00pm (CT)
· Wednesday, October 9
Key Concepts in IEPs: IDEA, FAPE, PWN, and LRE
🕒 1:30pm – 3:00pm (CT)
· Wednesday, October 16
What to Do if You Disagree with the School
🕒 1:30pm – 3:00pm (CT)
· Wednesday, October 23
Q&A Session: Bring Your Questions About IEPs
🕒 1:30pm – 3:00pm (CT)
📲 Register here: https://forms.gle/RXkj2E3wGuwvhinS6
You can attend the session that interests you most or join all to gain comprehensive knowledge. We look forward to having you with us! 🙌✨
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. Live Spanish translation will be available during the sessions.

Autistic Community Summit
2024-11-09 10:00 - 16:30 | Woodlake Lutheran Church, 2120 W 76th St, Richfield, MN, 55423
Created and curated by people with autism and for people with autism, the purpose of the Autistic Community Summit is to provide a space for community building and sharing the knowledge and perspectives of Minnesota’s autistic community. This year’s summit is dedicated to amplifying the voices of autistic individuals and fostering a supportive community that embraces diversity, inclusion, and empowerment.

Free Family Movie Meetup (Sensory Friendly & Accessible Event)
2024-11-16 11:30 - 14:00 | Woodbury 10 Theater, 1470 Queens Dr, Woodbury, MN, 55125, United States
Join Family Achievement Foundation for a free family movie meetup! We will be watching Inside Out 2 and this is a sensory friendly & accessible event.
11:30 AM Check-In, 12:00 PM Movie Starts
Woodbury 10 Theater
Parents/Caregivers must accompany children to this event.
Email info@familyachieve.org to register

All Aboard For the Holidays: Neurodiversity Streetcar Ride
2024-11-29 11:00 - 14:00 | Como Harriet Streetcar Line, 4200 Queen Avenue, South, Minneapolis, MN, 55410, United States
Everyone welcome, accommodations available. We’ll be handing out candy canes and Chanukah gelt and Santa is scheduled to appear! Our Santa is an African American Minneapolis elder who is not rotund, but is very kind. Platform and Depot are wheelchair accessible but the streetcar has stairs. $3 per ride or $7 unlimited rides for the event. We do not operate in rain so check the website for cancellations.

Workshop: Executive Function Essentials
2024-12-05 09:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
This workshop will give you foundational skills to build self-regulation that will improve your executive function. We’ll delve into innovative concepts like spiral time, providing a fresh perspective on time management and organization. You will learn practical, actionable strategies to support and strengthen executive function skills, tailored specifically for autistic individuals.
The content is designed with neurodivergent brains in mind, offering approaches and strategies that respect and work with your natural tendencies rather than against them. Whether you’re looking to boost your own executive function or support someone else, this workshop offers tools that can be implemented right away, empowering you to navigate your own life and your own needs with the approaches that work for you.
