AuSM

The Lion King
2024-04-20 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Orpheum Theatre
Hennepin Theatre Trust is proud to offer a sensory-friendly performance of Disney’s The Lion King. This performance is specifically designed for individuals with sensory differences, cognitive or developmental disabilities, and those who benefit from a relaxed theater environment along with their families and caregivers. With the partnership of Fraser, the show will be performed in a supportive and judgment-free environment.
Accommodations at this performance include:

Lower sound levels, especially for startling or intense sounds.
Theatre lights on at a low level throughout the performance.
Standing and movement accommodated in spaces throughout the theatre.
Designated sensory break areas throughout the theatre.
Trained volunteers and professionals on hand during the entire performance.
Sensory supports (fidgets, earplugs, noise-canceling ear-muffs) available in the lobby before the show.
Online and printed guidance materials about the show experience.
Audience members are welcome to bring their own handheld sensory tools (e.g., fidgets), seat cushions, comfort objects and extra support items to the show.

Sensory Friendly Open House, Minnetonka Fire Station #1
2024-04-20 10:00 - 13:00 | Minnetonka Fire Station #1, 14550 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN, 55345
Minnetonka Fire offers a free sensory friendly open house every spring for those families with a member(s) with Austism or another sensory disorder. We turn down the lights and sirens for this event and aim to offer an atmosphere that is quieter than our fall open house. We offer free cookies to all who attend and provide attendees the opportunities to sit in firetrucks, explore the station and meet firefighters who are ready to host the open house and meet you where you are.
No lights and sirens sensory-friendly open house at Minnetonka Fire Station 1 (14550 Minnetonka Blvd.)
• No lights and sirens
• Fire trucks, ambulance, and police car display
• Inflatable slide
• Meet a firefighter
• Cookies for all
A sensory room will be available for those who are in need of a calm and quiet environment.
Contact: Sara Ahlquist, sahlquist@minnetonkamn.gov, 952.939.8331

Sensory Friendly Saturday, Bell Museum
2024-04-20 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-03-16 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

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2024-04-17 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-03-20 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.

MNprov Mixer – 90 minutes of improv games, fun, and new friends for neurodivergent adults 18+
2024-04-17 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-04-10 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-04-03 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-03-27 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-03-20 18:30 - 20:00 | 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

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.

St. Paul Saints Sensory-Friendly Game
2024-04-14 14:00 - 17:00 | CHS Field, 360 Broadway St, St Paul, MN, 55125
In collaboration with Fraser, the Securian Financial Club will be used to create a sensory-friendly space during the game and will be exclusive to folks who purchase this special ticket package. Fraser will be on site to provide assistance and education on sensory-friendly needs. Please keep in mind that while these accommodations will be helpful; a fun Saints gameday atmosphere is to be expected. Additional gameday information will be provided prior to the event.

Sensory Friendly Sunday at the Walker Art Center
2024-04-14 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.

Respite Saturday Fun Day
2024-04-13 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

Saturday Fun/Respite Day
2024-04-13 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.

The PLAY Project Autism Intervention Intensive Workshop Online
2024-04-10 | Virtual Event
3-week asynchronous online workshop | opens April 10th, closes May 1st | 2 Zoom Q&A live sessions – live session #1 April 18th 12pm-1pm EST – live session #2 April 25th 12pm-1pm EST
Learn to effectively and playfully engage young children with autism by taking The PLAY Intensive Workshop Online, a professionally designed course that is fun, engaging, and practical. The IWO has approximately 10 hours of content to be completed asynchronously and has two live sessions to answer your questions in person. Instead of having to attend two full days of training, missing work, and/or planning for childcare, learners can take the course when it is convenient for them over a three-week time span!
The PLAY Project is a parent implemented, intensive intervention program for young children (18 months-6 years) with autism that is evidence-based. Get an overview of The PLAY Project methods and principles to gain skills in helping children with autism! The workshop consists of case studies, video analysis of parent and child interaction, interactive activities, and live sessions that answer your questions about engaging children with autism and other developmental delays through play.
Learning Objectives – After this workshop participants will be able to:
– Explain the 7 Circles of PLAY and how they relate to the PLAY Autism Intervention Program when working with children with ASD
– Define intensive autism intervention, including interventions that are categorized as play-based, developmental, and behavioral
– Identify techniques that help improve language, social skills, behavior, development, and play skills of children with autism
– Describe Greenspan’s 6 Functional Developmental Levels (FDLs) and how they relate to The PLAY Project Autism Intervention
– Identify the behaviors and symptoms of children who have sensory processing challenges
– Describe how a child’s unique profile is created and develop a plan to improve the child’s social interactions based on this profile
– Identify developmental progress and PLAY Project methods & techniques through the review of video case studies
Participants watch evidence based strategies, through case study videos, that promote engagement. Participants will take a post-test to show what they have learned.
Participants practice developing a child profile, after watching a case study video. Participants receive digital handouts that they can use to further practice these skills with children and families.
*Learning outcomes will be assessed through a PLAY Project self-evaluation post-test
All families who register for our Intensive Workshop will receive a FREE Parent Guide! This guide is a parent friendly, in-depth review of The PLAY Project’s 7 Circles of PLAY, 4 Principles and 5 Methods, plus all 40+ Techniques (with examples!), and lots of fun Activities that you can do with your child based on their developmental level. *More details about how to claim free Parent Guide will be provided once fully registered. Shipping times may vary.*

“Relaxed Family Concert: Here, There, Everywhere” at Orchestra Hall
2024-04-07 14:00 - 15:30 | MN
Join the Minnesota Orchestra as it flies around the world through music by composers from many different corners of the Earth. Starting at home in the United States, you will hear movements from James Price Johnson’s atmospheric Harlem Symphony. Then head to the Andes mountains in Peru with Gabriela Lena Frank’s Leyendas: An Andean Walkabout. And that’s just the beginning of this musical journey.
Relaxed Family Concerts are designed for audiences of all ages, including individuals with autism or sensory sensitivities. Each concert takes place in an inclusive environment where audience members are welcome to be who they are and enjoy music together with family and friends.
Here, There, Everywhere will feature a variety of music—some soft and some loud—because different audience members like different levels of sound. Review the tip sheet (coming soon) to read about quiet spaces, noise-canceling headphones and other options to tailor the concert experience to fit your family’s preferences.
Come early to participate in lobby activities, including opportunities to try instruments, engage in creative movement, make art, learn more about the program and meet Minnesota Orchestra musicians.
Prepare for the concert experience with the playlist, lobby map, pre-visit story and other materials available approximately 2-4 weeks before the concert.

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2024-04-04 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

Roommate Social
2024-04-02 13:30 - 14:30 | St Louis Park Rec Center
Come meet Reach for Resources Housing Manager, Abi, and participate in a social hour where prospective roommates can meet each other and connect on possible living situations.

Babble Lab - sensory friendly
2024-03-31 16:00 - 18:00 | Children’s Theatre
CARGILL STAGE
Strap on your safety goggles and clean out your ears as a concoction of sneaky, sprightly L E T T E R S takes over a weird and wondrous science lab in this one-of-a-kind, gee-gaw-filled explosion of language.
https://my.childrenstheatre.org/13485/14027

Sensory Friendly Easter Egg Hunt
2024-03-30 09:00 - 10:00 | MN
This free, indoor event is aimed at providing an opportunity for kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder an opportunity to participate in an egg hunt with their peers in a sensory friendly zone.
Location: Apple Valley Municipal Center
Pre-registration required by March 22.
Pam Walter, Crime Prevention Specialist
Apple Valley Police Department
7100 147th Street West | Apple Valley, MN 55124
Desk: 952.953.2706 | Fax: 952.953.2733 |Pam.Walter@applevalleymn.gov

Alice in Wonderland at Children's Theatre Company
2024-03-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Children’s Theatre
Tickets: $15-$67. Ticket Office: 612-874-0400 or tickets@childrenstheatre.org. For more information about this sensory-friendly performance, go to https://childrenstheatre.org/plan-your-visit/accessibility/sensory-friendly-programming/.
Story by Lewis Carroll; Adapted for the stage by Sharon Holland; Music by Victor Zupanc; Directed by Peter C. Brosius
Take a tumble down the rabbit hole with Alice and you’ll land in a wonderfully wacky world of rhymes and ridiculousness, checkerboards and cheeky cats, Mad Hatters and mayhem. In this head-spinning show, Alice chases the White Rabbit through the audience, attends the most absurd tea party in history, and faces off with the ragingly red Queen of Hearts, all amidst a melee of teeny tiny songs. Humpty Dumpty on a ladder — what could possibly go wrong? Curiouser and curiouser….
Two hours with one 20-minute intermission.

Spring Sensory-Friendly Concert with the Minnesota Orchestra
2024-03-26 11:00 - 12:00 | Minnesota Orchestra, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Join the Minnesota Orchestra for an engaging and interactive concert experience in a relaxed environment where all audience members are welcome to be who they are while enjoying music with family and friends. This concert takes place in the Target Atrium at Orchestra Hall, where patrons can see and hear the instruments up close and ask questions in a more intimate setting. Hosted by Lyndie Walker, MT-BC from Toneworks Music Therapy Services, this program features a Minnesota Orchestra musician and talented guest artists from the community.

Free for listeners under the age of 18; $7 for adults

Fidgets, noise-canceling headphones, quiet spaces and a pre-visit story are available at all Sensory-Friendly Concerts. Stand-alone chairs provide for flexible seating and open space is available for those who wish to sit on the floor or move around the room.
612-512-2887

“Young Dance: Build-Your-Own Miniature Golf Gala” fund-raiser at Monster Lake Brewing, St. Paul
2024-03-24 13:00 - 16:00 | Monster Lake Brewing, 550 Vandalia St. #160, St Paul, MN, 55414
Schedule and Tickets
Learn more about Young Dance at https://youngdance.org. If you have any questions or accessibility needs, please reach out to info@youngdance.org or call 612-423-3064.
info@youngdance.org
Buy Tickets

Join Young Dance in building and playing miniature golf at Lake Monster Brewing in St. Paul. This whimsical celebration of creativity shares the company’s passion for movement with the local community.
From 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., everyone is invited to build a miniature golf hole with the theme of Alice in Wonderland. You can sign up to build and design the course individually or bring a group of friends. Materials like cardboard, pieces of gutter, tubes, wood, pallets, nails, screws, tape, and more will be provided, or you can bring your own supplies. Skilled construction workers will attend to help make your building dreams come true.
At 4:00 p.m., the course will open to the public, and players can choose their own price to play. The suggested donation price is $15 per person, and all proceeds go to expanding access to Young Dance’s programming and mission to transform lives through movement.
Since 1987, Young Dance has worked to transform lives through movement by fostering an inclusive community where creativity flourishes. Young Dance encourages peer-to-peer mentorship and collaboration in the making of dance. This year, over 230 students, aged 1 to 18, are served at the studio hub in St. Paul and an additional 1200 participants through community events and partnerships.

Speed Friending for Teens with MNeurodivergent
2024-03-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Lionsgate Academy Shoreview, 599 Cardigan Rd., Shoreview, MN, 55126
AuSM is partnering with MNeurodivergent to host a speed friending event. Based on the concept of speed dating, you’ll get the chance to meet tons of new people in a quick and structured way. We’ll break up into groups: each group will sit on one side of a table and be paired with another group to talk to each other for 3-5 minutes. Once the time is up, the people on one side of the table then get up, move one seat down, and then start talking to the next person on the other side of the table. You’ll be able to tell event organizers who you felt connected with and they’ll put you in touch with any mutual matches! This workshop is for ages 13-18.
About the Presenter: MNeurodivergent is a social club rooted in a vision of bringing neurodivergent Minnesotans together to build meaningful connections. Its core principle is to foster an environment where all are treated with dignity and respect regardless of ability or preference.

Understanding Autism Documentary Screening
2024-03-17 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-03-17 11:00 - 12:30 | The Main Theater, 115 Southeast Main Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55414
This new documentary by Scott Steindorff spotlights the perspective of autistic people themselves. In this insightful look at the complexity and variation of autistic people and their experiences, Mr. Steindorff interviews autistic children and adults, as well as researchers and professionals in the autism community, while he shares his own journey with autism. The film features Lionsgate Academy, a public charter school for autistic learners located in the Twin Cities Metro area. The film shines a light on the challenges facing autistic people, and explores promising approaches to neurodivergence that can build a world where autistics can be who they are and get the support they need and deserve.

March 17, 2024, 11 am and 1 pm
The event is on a Sunday when there will be few if any other events at the Theater, so attendees will not be dealing with large crowds, multiple lines, and noise.

$12/adult, $10/student

A SPECIAL VISIT WITH CARING BUNNY
2024-03-17 09:00 - 10:30 | Southdale Center, Edina, Minnesota
Bunny Photo Experience

Caring Bunny® is a special, sensory-friendly experience – exclusively for children with special needs and their families.
Sunday, March 17th from 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Reservations are required for this private event. To reserve your spot, click the “Reserve your visit here!” link below or visit simon.com/caringbunny.
The Bunny will be located at the Second Level Center Court Bridge. Photos will be taken and available for purchase at this event.

The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington at Mixed Blood Theatre
2024-03-16 19:30 - 21:00 | Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. Fourth St., MPLS, MN, 55454
ll tickets are no cost. Donations welcome. To reserve your ticket and make any access requests email boxoffice@mixedblood.com or call 612-451-4466 and leave a message. Box office: 612-338-6131. English-language captioning — provided at every performance. Assisted Listening — available at every performance (please reserve in advance). Sensory Friendly/Relaxed — March 16.
Written by James Ijames, Directed by Pirronne Yousefzadeh
Ravaged by illness and cared for by the very slaves that will be free the moment she dies, Martha Washington’s fever dreams are haunted by a range of characters, from Queen Charlotte and George Washington, to a present-day trial lawyer, building up to reconnecting with family, legacy and broken promises. Written by Pulitzer winner James Ijames, this biting satire examines history’s impact on present-day systems.
The performance runs about 90 minutes, without an intermission.
