AuSM

MNprov Mixers
2024-10-18 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-10-25 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-11-01 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-11-08 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-11-15 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-11-22 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2561 Victoria Street North, Roseville, MN, 55113
Free Workshops for Neurodivergent Adults
ND adults benefit from these free applied improvisation workshops as they develop social connections, build relationships, and feel belonging. Within this safe and trusting environment, participants learn to become comfortable taking reasonable risks & making mistakes, increase their resilience and ability to tolerate uncertainty, improve their communication and collaboration skills, learn to listen and accept new ideas, and become more flexible and able to consider different perspectives. https://mnprov.org/fall-mnprov-mixers

Sensory Friendly Saturday, Bell Museum
2024-10-19 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-11-16 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

Trick or Trot
2024-10-19 14:00 - 17:00
We Can Ride invites you to join us for an afternoon of fall fun at our Trick or Trot event! On Saturday, 10/19, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, we’ll host a festive gathering packed with games, activities, and excitement for all ages. Attendees can enjoy Trick-or-Treating with our horses, hay rides, face painting, and more. Costumes are encouraged to add to the Halloween fun!
The Barn: 4301 COUTY ROAD 24 MEDINA, MN 55359
Tickets are $15 per adult and $5 per child. They can be purchased on our website. Visit https://www.wecanride.org/and scan the QR code on the Trick or Trot flyer image.

The Brick Oven Pizza Food Truck will be on-site (credit or exact change purchase). Proceeds from this event directly benefit We Can Ride’s therapeutic riding program, which offers individuals with disabilities and the greater community the opportunity to experience the enriching connection between horses and humans.
We hope you can join us for this fun-filled, family-friendly afternoon!Trick or Trot 2024 Poster (2)

TEApoyo and MAAN Special Education Series
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.

AuSM Independent Adults with ASD Support Group
2024-10-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder gather in this typically larger group to support each other, socialize, and discuss common interests and concerns. This group is held virtually only.

Trunk or Treat in Mankato
2024-10-25 17:00 - 19:00 | Kennedy Soccor Field, 2600 E Main St, Mankato, MN
Annual Inclusive Fun
We’re excited to announce that the Southern Minnesota Autism Coalition is hosting our Annual Inclusive Trunk or Treat! We’re looking for individuals, businesses, and organizations interested in hosting a trunk for this special event on Friday, October 25th, from 5 PM to 7 PM.
This event is a wonderful opportunity to create a welcoming space for families with individuals with autism and other disabilities. If you’re interested in participating, please email us at smac.mankato@gmail.com or message us on Facebook.
We’ll be setting up in the soccer field parking lot across from Kennedy Elementary.

Halloween hang out!
2024-10-31 16:00 - 19:00
Come hang with the community. Enjoy a Halloween event in any way you want. Candy? Costumes? Enjoying the evening in the Streetcar?
Candy. Rides. Costumes if you feel like it. Have some fun with the community. Please contact me for accommodations. Please note we do not run in the rain. Check the website for cancellation. Platform and Depot wheelchair accessible. Streetcar has stairs.
2330 w 42nd st
MPLS, MN 55410
$3/ride, $7 ride whole time
Trolleyride.org
952.925.3716
leahharp@gmail.com

MNprov Mixers - Virtual
2024-11-06 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-11-13 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-11-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
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. Individuals are welcome to take breaks as needed. Participants are encouraged to let us know how we can best support them. Because this is on ZOOM, participants from greater Minnesota have an accessible way to attend.
A social narrative about the MNprov Mixers workshops and a registration link can be found on our website.
952.649.9699, catherine@mnprov.org

AuSM Women's Support Group
2024-11-07 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
Women with Autism Spectrum Disorder gather to discuss challenges, strategies, and topics unique to being a woman on the spectrum. This group is held virtually only.

Winter MNprov Mixers -- In-Person
2024-11-07 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-11-14 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-11-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Eagan Community Center
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.
952.649.9699, catherine@mnprov.org

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2024-11-07 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

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.

Saturday Fun/Respite Day
2024-11-09 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
2024-11-10 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.

AuSM Professional Networking Group
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.

AuSM LGBTQIA Support Group
2024-11-14 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder who identify as LGBTQIA gather to discuss topics related to the intersection of autism and gender/sexuality. This group is held virtually only.

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

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2024-11-20 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.

AuSM Family Members of Adults on the Spectrum Support Group
2024-11-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
Parents, caregivers, and other family members of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (18+) gather to discuss challenges, triumphs, and strategies for support. This group is held virtually only.

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.
