AuSM

AuSM Improv Class w/CSz Twin Cities and Comedy Sportz
2024-02-17 13:00 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | 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

Dial M for Murder, Guthrie Theatre sensory friendly
2024-02-18 13:00 - 15:00
About the Show
January 20 – February 25, 2024
adapted by JEFFREY HATCHER from the original by FREDERICK KNOTT; directed by TRACY BRIGDEN
While in London promoting her new murder mystery, Maxine drops in on her former lover Margot who shares some distressing news: She’s being blackmailed for a love letter from Maxine that went missing after their affair ended. Margot thinks her husband Tony is none the wiser, but he knows everything — and then some. In fact, his yearlong plan to have Margot murdered will commence the next night, thanks to an airtight alibi. But when Margot kills her assailant in self-defense, Tony’s plot takes an unexpected turn. This clever, fast-paced adaptation adds extra layers to the iconic tale, making the “Will he get away with it?” question even more thrilling.
The Guthrie’s relaxed (or Sensory Friendly) performances, open to all patrons, are intentionally modified to accommodate patrons with sensory and vestibular sensitivities, anxiety, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, learning differences or challenges attending the theater. For more information: https://www.guthrietheater.org/plan-your-visit/accessibility-offerings/relaxed-performances/.
Schedule and Tickets
Sensory Friendly tickets: $29 adult, $15 child. If you have questions about tickets or accessibility accommodation, contact 612-225-6390 or accessibility@guthrietheater.org. To purchase tickets for the Guthrie’s accessible performances, use the accessibility filter on its online performance calendar or call the Box Office at 612-377-2224.

MICC Preview Days
2024-02-20 13:30 - 15:30, 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.

AuSM Workshop: Learning to Drive While Autistic
2024-02-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual Event
Driving is viewed as a rite of passage as we enter later teenage years or early adulthood. This workshop will share information and invite discussion on the critical skills needed for driving, how being autistic may impact learning to drive, assessment of driver readiness and driver training, ideas for things that can be initiated in the home, community services and therapies that may improve safe driver potential, and review ideas related to modified independence in the community through use of alternative transportation and delivery services.
About the Presenter: Kathy Woods, OTR/L, CDRS, LDI, is the supervisor of CKRI’s Driver Assessment and Training. She is an Occupational Therapist, Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist, and a MN state licensed driver instructor. Kathy had seven years of experience working in the vehicle modification industry before joining the team at CKRI in 2006. In addition to her role providing oversight and management of the day-to-day operations of the service, Kathy provides clinical testing, behind-the-wheel assessments, and lessons. Kathy has given presentations at the local, state, and national level on driver assessments and vehicle modifications. She is an active member of the Association of Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED); in the past she has served on certification committees and is currently on the publications committee. Kathy has earned an Autism Badge from ADED, which signifies a level of competency within this scope of practice of Driver Rehabilitation.

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 | 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

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2024-02-21 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.

Autism Outdoors Club
2024-02-25 12:30 - 14:30 | Lowry Nature Center, 7025 Nature Center Dr., Victoria, MN, 55386, United States
Try our winter recreation gear. Snowshoe and kicksled in our different habitats. Look for clues to see what the animals have been up to. Make friends and practice communicating your needs during safe, off-trail adventures away from the comforts of home. Participants must be able to demonstrate selfcare skills without assistance, independently follow adult direction and safety rules, and show readiness for large group participation, including always remaining with the group. Co-taught with Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) educators. For guideline information and to learn about AuSM, visit ausm.org. This program is entirely outdoors. Reservations required by two days prior.

You will receive an email from the instructor with more details prior to the program. This program is outdoors; please dress for the weather.

Utilizing Autistic Expertise in Improving Therapy Services for Autistic Clients
2024-02-29 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual Event
This virtual event is geared towards therapists and other service providers and is open to the general public. It features two Autistic professionals and Autism Advocates who have chosen to provide education about improving services for autistic clients. They will accept questions in advance. Please register https://secure.qgiv.com/for/tifcswe/event/888988/
free, CEU’s available for a fee
icsw.edu

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2024-03-07 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

“Shrek the Musical, Jr.” by Unlabeled Theatre Company at Park Square Theatre
2024-03-09 13:00 - 15:00 | Park Square Theater, 20 West 7th Place, St Paul, MN, 55102
This unified performance of Shrek the Musical, Jr. is performed by artist-actors with cognitive and/or physical disabilities partnered with professional or emergent actors to create and perform roles together.
Performances are March 8-9 at 7:00, plus a sensory friendly matinee on Saturday, March 9 at 1:00.

Saturday Fun/Respite Day
2024-03-09 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
2024-03-10 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.

Matty’s Puzzle Pack Hangouts
2024-03-11 18:30 - 20:30
Matty’s Puzzle Pack Hangouts are personal gatherings where both the individual with special needs AND the caregiver can connect, meet friends, share struggles, celebrate milestones and be surrounded by love.
March11th’s Hangout is a fun night being held at Redeemer Lutheran Church (61 Mississippi Street Northeast, Fridley, MN, 55432). We’ll have several stations set up for some fun: musical chairs, silly putty, scooters, bubbles and other games. Some light food will be provided as well. Registration is required for this free event.
What is a Hangout? As much as medical interventions, education, therapies and other services are needed for our special needs loved ones…they also need friends! They need a community of humans where they feel like they’re part of something. They need to find other people to spend time with, where they feel comfortable and confident. Where they don’t feel judged. But what about the parents and caregivers who are giving their all for these precious and sometimes vulnerable children, family members and friends? Who is there for you to talk to? What happenings are consistently there to engage-in, so you can meet people – in- person – who are walking a similar path? There are plenty of wonderful on-line communities to share stories, connect digitally and learn new ideas. But what about finding a “pack” you can be part of, where you can ask questions, be reminded that you’re not alone, AND satisfy your need as a human to actually be with other humans? Please join us at our next Matty’s Puzzle Pack HANGOUT!
All costs are covered by generous donations through Twin Cities Autism Foundation.
https://MattysPuzzlePackHangoutfellowshipfun.eventbrite.com

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Lakeshore Players at Hanifl Performing Arts Center
2024-03-14 10:00 - 12:30 | Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110
MARCH 8-17, 2024
Adapted by Simon Stephens, based on the novel by Mark Haddon
Fifteen-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain; he is exceptionally intelligent but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor’s dog, he sets out to identify the true culprit, which leads to an earth-shattering discovery and a journey that will change his life forever. Based on Mark Haddon’s best-selling 2003 novel, this harrowing and poignant adventure story features an unforgettable young hero.
Estimated run time is 2 hours, 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
Location

Hanifl Performing Arts Center – Lakeshore Players

4941 Long Avenue
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
U.S.
651-429-5674

Sensory Friendly Saturday, Bell Museum
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

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.

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.

Understanding Autism Documentary Screening
2024-03-17 11:00 - 12:30, 2024-03-17 13:00 - 14:30 | 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

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.

“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.

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
