AuSM Independent Adults with ASD Support Group
2024-06-27 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-07-25 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Camp Discovery Session 1
2024-07-01 - 2024-07-05 | True Friends Camp Courage, 8046 83rd St NW, Maple Lake, MN, 55358, United States
Camp Discovery is ideal for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder who will enjoy a summer camp experience focused on support and small group activities. Campers should be able to positively interact and safely participate within small groups, as this camp provides 1:4 support.
Camp Discovery is held at True Friends Camp Courage in Maple Lake, MN. Campers will stay in cabins according to age, gender, and interests. All cabins can be used year-round with air conditioning, heating, and an indoor fireplace. All bathrooms in cabins have door locks to ensure privacy.
Camp activities include swimming (both in the lake and indoor swimming pool), tubing, fishing, archery, mini golf, a high ropes course and zip line, kayaking, canoeing, arts and crafts, nature experiences, recreational games, live action role-playing games, and more. Camp Discovery also includes special evening activities. Campers participate in small group discussions and activities that focus on special interests and making a connection with others.

Neurodiversity rides on the Streetcar!
2024-07-02 17:30 - 19:30 | Como-Harriet Trolley, Lake Harriet, Minneapolis
A special time for neurodiverse folks, families, and friends. Come ride in community, all neurologies and expressions welcome. Please let us support your accommodation wishes!
The Depot and the platform are wheelchair accessible but the Streetcar built in 1908 has stairs.
$3 ride or $7 unlimited, season passes available, age three and under free
leahharp@gmail.com, 773.490.6217

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2024-07-04 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

Much Ado About Nothing, Sensory friendly in Winona
2024-07-05 13:00 - 15:00 | Winona State U. Performing Arts Center, 450 Johnson St, Winona, MN, 55987
“Fidget Friendly” accessibility; adjustments to accommodate those who may struggle to sit quietly through an entire performance or who have sensory concerns. Accommodations include priority seating with easy access to the exits, provided space to safely stand in the aisles, increased audience lighting, introduction to sudden sounds and lighting effects, and a live video feed in the lobby.
Tickets $4-$52. Much Ado About Nothing tickets can be purchased at https://grsf.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket. Those who would benefit from accommodations are encouraged to discuss their needs with the box office so that special seating requests can be accommodated. Visit or call the Box Office 507-474-7900.
boxoffice@grsf.org
Winona State U. Performing Arts Center – Main Stage

450 Johnson St.
Winona , MN 55987

Camp Discovery Session 2
2024-07-07 - 2024-07-11 | True Friends Camp Courage, 8046 83rd St NW, Maple Lake, MN, 55358, United States

iCan Bike Camp - Winona
2024-07-08 - 2024-07-12 | MN
We understand that the vast majority of people with disabilities never have the experience of independently riding a conventional two-wheel bicycle during their lifetime. Research shows that over 80% of people with Autism and 90% of people with Down syndrome never experience this thrill. Defying these odds is why we exist!
For information or questions about this bike camp please e-mail Monica directly at mchernan2898@gmail.com or call 608-345-4735.
Winona Area High School 901 Gilmore Avenue Winona, MN 55987
To register, please visit our online registration links:

Rider Online Registration
Volunteer Online Registration

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.

Rock of Ages, sensory-relaxed performance
2024-07-11 12:00 - 14:00, 2024-07-12 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-07-13 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-07-14 14:00 - 16:00 | Unlabeled Theatre Comany, 20 W 7th Place, St Paul, MN, 55102
Unlabeled Theatre Company is a unified theatre program that partners adults with cognitive and/or physical disabilities or who are neurodivergent with professional or emerging actors; together they create and perform a role together. All of our shows are welcoming and accessible for all audiences. Our Sunday, July 14th show at 2:00 PM is a sensory friendly/relaxed performance.

AuSM LGBTQIA Support Group
2024-07-11 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.

Ashti's Journey to Jazz
2024-07-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110
For every mainstage show in our season, Children’s Performing Arts hosts a relaxed performance. This allows patrons with sensory, social, physical, and cognitive needs 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. Fidgets, noise-canceling headphones, and modified seating are also welcome into the space! Pay what you can.

Hamlet, sensory friendly, Winona
2024-07-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Winona State U. Performing Arts Center, 450 Johnson St, Winona, MN, 55987
“Fidget-Friendly” performance; adjustments to accommodate those who may struggle to sit quietly through an entire performance or who have sensory concerns. Accommodations include priority seating with easy access to the exits, provided space to safely stand in the aisles, increased audience lighting, introduction to sudden sounds and lighting effects, and a live video feed in the lobby.
Hamlet tickets ($4-$52) can be purchased at https://grsf.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket. Those who would benefit from accommodations are encouraged to discuss their needs with the box office so that special seating requests can be accommodated. Visit or call the Box Office 507-474-7900.
boxoffice@grsf.org

Saturday Fun/Respite Day
2024-07-13 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.

Respite Saturday Fun Day
2024-07-13 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

Sensory Friendly Sunday at the Walker Art Center
2024-07-14 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.

Sensory Puppet Making with the Textile Center
2024-07-15 - 2024-07-19 | Textile Center, 3000 University Ave SE, MPLS, MN, 55414
CTC is proud to partner with the Textile Center to offer a puppet making camp for students on the autism spectrum. This camp offers low-stress, nurturing environments for youth who fall within the wide range of the autism spectrum. Students will explore the wonderful world of textiles and puppet making. This camp is offered in partnership with the Textile Center and will feature smaller class sizes and three teachers in each classroom.
July 15-19, 2024
Location: 3000 University Ave SE, Minneapolis MN 55414
Grades K-2, 9am-12pm: https://childrenstheatre.org/whats-on/sensory-puppetgr-k-224-25-sm/
Ages 9-12, 1pm-4pm: https://childrenstheatre.org/whats-on/sensory-puppetag-9-1224-25sm/

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.

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2024-07-17 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.

AuSM Professional Networking Group
2024-07-18 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 Family Members of Adults on the Spectrum Support Group
2024-07-18 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.

Sensory Friendly Saturday, Bell Museum
2024-07-20 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

Little Shop of Horrors - sensory friendly
2024-07-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Guthrie Theatre
A frightfully funny musical

On Skid Row, Mr. Mushnik plans to shutter his failing florist shop when his timid staffer Seymour presents an exotic-but-wilted flytrap named Audrey II. Convinced it will boost business, Seymour encourages Mr. Mushnik to display the peculiar plant, which Seymour successfully revives. As Audrey II draws much-needed crowds to the shop, Seymour makes a disturbing discovery: It needs fresh blood (and lots of it) to grow — a secret that forces Seymour into a Faustian bargain to keep his fame and fortune intact. A hilarious mashup of science fiction, horror and musical theater, this cult classic boasts Motown-inspired hits like “Feed Me (Git It),” “Suddenly, Seymour” and “Little Shop of Horrors.”
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/.
Regular priced Tickets: $34 to $95. 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. Masks are encouraged but no longer required to visit or attend a performance at the Guthrie. If you are unable to attend Up-to-date health policies can be found at: https://www.guthrietheater.org/health-and-safety/.
accessibility@guthrietheater.org

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.

Kids Club - Lake Harriet Trolley
2024-07-23 18:00 - 19:30 | Como-Harriet Trolley, Lake Harriet, Minneapolis
Does your child love streetcars?
The Carbarn Club is a way for kids 6 and up to get behind the scenes access to the museum! It is free with student, Individual or family membership.
This year’s dates are:
July 23, 6-7:30pm SPEEDER RIDES! We are bringing the Speeders out! Learn all about the Streetcar Line and take rides up and down the line!
August 27, 6-7:30pm TAKE CONTROL OF THE 1300! Learn how to drive an historic streetcar!

Free with child or family membership. Anyone participating in the events must be covered under a membership.

Advanced registration required: https://trolleyride.org/kids-club/
leahharp@gmail.com
952.922.1096

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.

iCan Bike - Warroad, MN
2024-07-29 - 2024-08-02 | MN
We understand that the vast majority of people with disabilities never have the experience of independently riding a conventional two-wheel bicycle during their lifetime. Research shows that over 80% of people with Autism and 90% of people with Down syndrome never experience this thrill. Defying these odds is why we exist!
July 29th – August 2nd, 2024
Warroad School District 510 Cedar Ave NW Warroad, MN 56763
Registration Contact:
For information or questions about this bike camp please e-mail Patti directly at icanbikewarroad@gmail.com or call 218-242-2160.
To register, please visit our online registration links:

Rider Online Registration
Volunteer Online Registration
