Neurodivergent Group Exercise Class
2023-12-07 18:15 - 19:00, 2023-12-14 18:15 - 19:00, 2023-12-21 18:15 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | YMCA Southdale, 7355 York Ave S, Edina, MN, 55435
Personal Trainer, Stephanie, will be starting a fitness class for neurodivergent people. Each class will be empowering, fun, and with no pressure. Movement can help our brains manage the day, reduce anxiety, and improve attention. These classes also provide social engagement which can be vital for mental health.
Classes will include Fun HIIT (no burpees), Strength Training (with or without weights), Yoga, Dance Cardio, Meditation, and maybe a few surprises.
Questions: Please contact Stephanie at stephanie.behrens@ymcamn.org
No sign up necessary as this is a pilot program. You need to be a member of the YMCA of the North (Twin Cities) to participate.
Class Meets:

Thursdays 6:15-7pm
Studio B

MNprov Mixer - 90 minutes of improv games, fun, and new friends for neurodivergent adults 18+
2023-12-07 18:30 - 20:00, 2023-12-21 18:30 - 20:00 | MN
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.
Location: Ramsey County Library (Community Program Room): 2180 North Hamline Ave, Roseville, Minnesota 55113
Improv is inherently inclusive. All members are necessary for the success of the scene, and everyone’s offers are incorporated into the scene. The improve rule of “Yes, and…” allows participants to feel safe & supported and more willing to take risks, and allows participants to co-create a scene that moves forward using the ideas from all participants.
There will be a maximum number of 20 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.
To register, click here.
info@mnprov.org
953-649-9699

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2023-12-07 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-01-04 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-02-01 19:00 - 20:30 | See Me Neurodiverse, 6000 McColl Drive, Savage, MN, 55378
This is a support meeting for the parents and caregivers of the neurodiverse to share our journeys together and help spread our wealth of resources to the community!
These meetings provide a safe space for parents/guardians/anyone who needs additional support while caring for neurodiverse children. Our mission for this support group is to connect, share, and support one another on our journey.
First Thursday of month 7-8:30pm and Every third Wednesday from 7-8:30pm

Saturday Fun/Respite Day
2023-12-09 13:00 - 17:00, 2024-01-13 13:00 - 17:00, 2024-02-10 13:00 - 17:00 | Laura Baker Services Association, 211 Oak Street, Northfield, MN, 55053
TIME FOR RESPITE AND SOCIAL INTERACTION
A monthly program for families who care for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Adults and children ages 5 and above with special needs who live at home with their families are welcome to join LBSA on the second Saturday of the month for crafts, games, outdoor activities, and snacks. Sign-up on the LBSA website, https://www.laurabaker.org/services/family-support/
The events are designed to provide a few hours of respite for caregivers and social interaction for participants. Pre-registration is required. Families must complete an enrollment medical form prior to the event. $20 per person fee is charged for each event; fee waivers are available for those that qualify.

Sensory Friendly Sunday at the Walker Art Center
2023-12-10 08:00 - 11:00, 2024-01-14 08:00 - 11:00, 2024-02-11 08:00 - 11:00 | Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Sensory Friendly Sunday is a monthly event is designed for kids, teens, and adults with sensory processing differences, autism spectrum disorder or developmental disabilities. From 8 am to 11 am on the second Sunday of the month, the galleries will be closed to the general public, and sound and light levels will be adjusted, allowing visitors to enjoy the museum in a calm environment with accommodations such as quiet spaces, fidgets, and sunglasses available. Experience select Walker exhibitions, make art, watch a short film, or just hang out in a different setting. Featured exhibitions and activities change each month. Visit https://walkerart.org/visit/sensory-friendly-sundays/ for more information or to register.
Sensory Friendly Sunday was developed in consultation with the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) and the University of Minnesota’s Occupational Therapy Program.
For more information about accessibility at the Walker, visit our Access page: https://walkerart.org/visit/accessibility.

Weekly “Disability and Progress” radio show on KFAI-FM
2023-12-14 18:00 - 19:00, 2023-12-21 18:00 - 19:00, 2023-12-28 18:00 - 19:00 | MN
On the weekly radio show “Disability and Progress,” Sam Jasmine interviews people on many disability topics, including arts, health, technology, special events. Listen Thursdays from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at 90.3 KFAI-FM Minneapolis, stream online, download the app for your smart device, or access the podcasts. Shows are subject to change.
To hear the current Disability and Progress show, or the previous week’s show, download Real Audio Player to your device or put the app on your smart phone. To receive a weekly email about the next show, or to offer feedback or suggest future interview subjects, call 612-341-3144, email disabilityandprogress@samjasmine.com, or mail KFAI, Attention: Disability and Progress, 1808 Riverside Ave. S., Box 116, Minneapolis MN 55454.
disabilityandprogress@samjasmine.com
Thursdays, 6:00-7:00 PM
Sam Jasmine, Producer

Sensory Friendly Saturday, Bell Museum
2023-12-16 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-01-20 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-02-17 08:00 - 10:00 | Bell Museum, St. Paul, Minnesota
Sensory Friendly Visits

The quietest time to visit the museum is late afternoon, when we have fewer visitors and our space is generally uncrowded. Be sure to check out the items you can borrow at the museum below!
Sensory friendly resources
Visitors are welcome to check out additional resources like our quiet spaces. You can borrow a sensory pack with tools such as visual timers, weighted lap pads, and hearing protection if it helps make the visit more enjoyable, and a social narrative is available for download to prepare for your visit. (Note, this is currently not accurate with COVID-19 procedures. Check out this general social narrative from the Autism Society of Minnesota). Read more about the museum’s other accessibility resources here.
Sensory Friendly Saturday
Prepare for your visit to Sensory Friendly Saturday with a short video – click here to watch.

bellinfo@umn.edu
612.626-9660

Adult Coffee Club
2023-12-19 17:00 - 19:00 | 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.
Tuesday Nights from 5 to 7 p.m. at Dogwood Coffee in St Paul
825 Carleton Street, St. Paul, MN 55114
Click here to view the menu
Social Narrative

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2023-12-20 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-01-17 19:00 - 20:30 | See Me Neurodiverse, 6000 McColl Drive, Savage, MN, 55378
This is a support meeting for the parents and caregivers of the neurodiverse to share our journeys together and help spread our wealth of resources to the community!
See Me’s main event that we host is a Family/Caregiver Support Meeting. We meet for an in-person support group on the first Thursday and the third Wednesday of every month.
These meetings provide a safe space for parents/guardians/anyone who needs additional support while caring for neurodiverse children. Our mission for this support group is to connect, share, and support one another on our journey.

Autism Certification
2024-01-13 09:00 - 16:00, 2024-01-20 09:00 - 16:00, 2024-01-27 09:00 - 16:00 | Virtual Event
This program is designed for professionals and caregivers who work with or support autistic individuals and want to provide better service and care. Autistic individuals also are welcome and encouraged to attend for increased self-understanding and to share their unique perspectives. You will dive deep into the diagnosis, common traits, support strategies, and more!
Learn to:

Identify how people with autism think.
Understand how differences in thinking lead to differences in behavior.
Understand how different tools/interventions address the strengths and challenges of ASD.
Identify tools to support clients and loved ones in different situations.

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).
Location
Virtual
Cost Per Session
$300 per person. A group discount is available for 3 or more participants from the same organization. Contact AuSM at 651.647.1083 to register a group of 3 or more participants for the same session. If you plan to register a group, please reach out a month or more in advance. If you register less than a month before the class, we cannot guarantee that there will be slots available.
UPCOMING SESSIONS
Winter 2024 Session
Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; 1-4 p.m.
Jan. 13, 20, 27

“The Carp Who Would Not Quit and Other Animal Stories” by the Honolulu Theatre for Youth Ensemble at Children's Theatre Company
2024-02-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Children’s Theatre
Location

Children’s Theatre Company – Cargill Stage

2400 Third Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-874-0400

MapChildren’s Theatre Company – Cargill Stage

Schedule and Tickets
Tickets: $15-$57. Ticket Office: 612-874-0400 or tickets@childrenstheatre.org.
tickets@childrenstheatre.org
Buy Tickets

About the Show
Jan. 16 – Feb. 18, 2024
Could YOU climb up a waterfall??! See a heroic carp who tries just that in this energetic retelling of traditional fables from Japan and Okinawa. Through artful puppetry, masks, and three imaginative actors, you’ll also meet a grateful crane, a mouse who shares, and an industrious rabbit who teaches everyone to do the mochi dance! During this invigorating show from Hawaii, live music played on the koto and taiko drum will accompany young audiences as they dance, clap, and sing along.
For more information about the adaptations for this sensory-friendly performance, go to https://childrenstheatre.org/plan-your-visit/accessibility/sensory-friendly-programming/.
45 minutes with no intermission.

AuSM Improv Class w/CSz Twin Cities and Comedy Sportz
2024-02-17 13:00 - 16:30 | Center for Perfroming Arts, 3754 Pleasant Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55409, United States
Our popular collaborative class with CSz Twin Cities and Comedy Sportz returns to Center for Performing Arts on Saturdays, Saturdays from Feb. 17-March 23. Have fun while learning how to respond to the unexpected, engage in reciprocal interactions, and support fellow participants in keeping a scene moving forward.
Ages 14-26
No prior improv experience is necessary. Experienced improv participants may register for the Advanced class; Advanced participants must be pre-approved by the instructor.

Spring
Beginner: 1-2:30 p.m.
Advanced: 3-4:30 p.m.
Saturdays, Feb. 17-March 23
Location
Center for Performing Arts
3754 Pleasant Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55409
Cost Per Session
AuSM Member: $275
Non-Member: $325

Finding Nemo Jr. Relaxed Performance
2024-02-17 14:00 - 16:00 | Children’s Performance Arts, 6101 Scandia Trail, Forest Lake, MN, 55025, United States
For every mainstage show in our season, Children’s Performing Arts hosts a Relaxed Performance (formerly known as Sensory-Friendly). This allows patrons with sensory, social, physical, and cognitive needs (including young children) to attend a production in a safe and welcoming environment. Modifications to this performance include lights remaining dim in the audience, elimination of intense lighting and sound effects, and audiences being free to move around the space and make any noises they need to make. A quiet space is also available outside of the theatre for patrons who need to take a break. Fidgets, noise-canceling headphones, and modified seating are also welcome into the space!
$17 for Adults, $10 for Students/Seniors, Pay-What-You-Can Tickets are Available
6101 Scandia Trail N
Forest Lake, MN 55025
childrensperformingartsmn.org
515.494.7191, maddier@childrensperformingartsmn.org

Not Too Late For Love: Dinner+Dance+Fun for People with Neurological and Developmental Disabilities
2024-02-17 15:30 - 18:30 | Maple Grove Covenant Church, 9350 Upland LN N, Maple Grove, MN, 55369
Inclusive post-Valentine’s dinner and dance party for individuals of all ages with intellectual, developmental, and neurological disabilities.

Join us in a sensory friendly-non judgement zone as we get dressed up and have some fun.
All participants receive a professional photograph, dinner, arts, games & crafts.
Come dressed up or come as you are.
End the night with dance party with DJ Mark: Check him out @markhaugendj.

(A quiet area will also be available.)

Dinner: Join us for a made to order Pancake bar including custom toppings, fresh fruit, GoGo applesauce and a CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN.

Door prizes, community resource guide and just a fun time to meet others.

PLEASE NOTIFY OF ALLERGIES AND SPECIAL DIET REQUESTS. WE WILL DOCOUR BEST TO ACCOMMODATE

Admission =$10 (includes 1 caregiver).
Additional caregivers/family = $10/each
Register by 02/13/2024

Follow us on Facebook to hear about future sensory night events. Please message directly with any questions.

(Events held at a church however this event not affiliated with a religion)

Tracy Mindiola RDLD
Owner Persevere Wellness LLC
Www.perseverewellnessllc.com.
P: 612-433-9028
F: 763-898-3408
E: perseverewellness@gmail.com
Inspiring you to reach your goals
