AuSM

Camp Discovery Session 2
2024-07-07 - 2024-07-11 | 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.

Much Ado About Nothing, Sensory friendly in Winona
2024-07-05 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | 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

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2024-07-04 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-06-06 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

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

Camp Discovery Session 1
2024-07-01 - 2024-07-05 | True Friends Camp Courage, 8046 83rd St NW, Maple Lake, MN, 55358, United States

AuSM Independent Adults with ASD Support Group
2024-06-27 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.

Camp Hand in Hand 2024 Session 2
2024-06-25 - 2024-06-29 | Camp Knutson, 1148 Manhattan Pt. Blvd, Crosslake, MN, 56442, United States
Camp Hand in Hand is held at Camp Knutson, north of Brainerd in Crosslake, Minn. on a peninsula between Trout Lake and Lower Whitefish Lake. This serene camp location features beautiful woodland settings with modern air-conditioned cabins and bathrooms. All of Camp Knutson’s facilities have been either newly renovated or recently built, including the addition of a large recreation center. Nutritious meals are served in a group dining room.
Activities include swimming, boating, tubing, horseback riding, fishing, crafts, archery, nature exploration, biking, and music groups led by a board-certified music therapist. Activities focus on social interaction and communication. The camp also offers a small ropes course, paddleboats, and canoes for additional fun. Evenings include themed activities, snacks, and time to relax.
AuSM-trained camp counselors and experienced program staff carefully plan and maintain a well-run, relaxed, and rewarding camp experience.

Social and Recreation Class: MN Zoo Photo Safari
2024-06-24 13:30 - 2024-06-28 16:30 | Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, MN
Ages 12-15
Pack your field bag and camera (both provided) to explore Zoo animals and the countries their wild kin call home. Practice taking photos and field notes to help see animals in a whole new light. A link to view and download camper photos will be emailed at the end of camp. Our animals are ready for their closeup— are you?

Godspell Jr. sensory friendly, Duluth
2024-06-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Duluth Playhouse – NorShor Theater, 211 E. Superior St., Duluth, MN, 55802
Book by John Michael Tebelak, Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Come sing about love! Godspell, the beloved classic from Stephen Schwartz, the Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer of Wicked, retells the greatest story ever told. Enjoy one of the most enduring shows of all time with an eclectic blend of songs ranging in style from pop to vaudeville. This timeless tale has touched the hearts of countless theatergoers all over the world. Join the celebration of kindness, tolerance and friendship.
This relaxed performance, open to all patrons, is intentionally modified to accommodate patrons with sensory and vestibular sensitivities, anxiety, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, learning differences, or challenges attending the theater. For details, go to https://www.duluthplayhouse.org/visit/accessibility.

Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella - sensory friendly
2024-06-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Merrill Community Center, 4200 Pioneer Drive, Woodbury, MN, 55129
When Ella meets a dragon-slaying young prince who is just assuming control of his government, Ella helps spark transformation and empower the disenfranchised in their kingdom. With the help of her fairy godmother, a pumpkin and a little magic and humor, Ella, Prince Topher and their generous friends will inspire and delight the whole family. Featuring new characters, a hilarious libretto, surprising twists, and an unforgettable score. This Rodgers + Hammerstein Broadway adaptation of the well-loved classic invites us to build a better, kinder world together.
A portion of the proceeds from this production will go straight to Joy Collaborative, who create life enriching spaces for youth with life-limiting conditions. Learn more about them and what they do ar Joy Collaborative.
This Sensory-Friendly performance will differ from the other performances in the following ways:
House lights at half light throughout the performance;
Patrons allowed to move around the house as needed;
Overall sound reduction for entire performance, other adjustments as deemed necessary by production team;
Activity tables available outside the theatre for those who need a break;
Audience members are welcome to bring their own manipulatives, seat cushions, comfort objects, and extra support items to the show;
A welcoming environment and an audience that is limited to those desiring a sensory-friendly experience.

Freaky Friday: The Musical
2024-06-22 14:00 - 16:00 | 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.

AuSM Family Members of Adults on the Spectrum Support Group
2024-06-20 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.

AuSM Professional Networking Group
2024-06-20 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.

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2024-06-19 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.

Camp Hand in Hand 2024 Session 1
2024-06-19 - 2024-06-23 | Camp Knutson, 1148 Manhattan Pt. Blvd, Crosslake, MN, 56442, United States

Helping Your Child with ASD Learn to Ride a Bike
2024-06-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Autism Society of Minnesota, 2380 Wycliff St. Ste. 102, Saint Paul, MN, 55114, United States
Challenges with body awareness, balance and motor control, and hand-eye coordination can make riding a bike difficult. Learn a number of tips for successful bike riding including purchasing equipment, making bike adjustments, breaking down riding into smaller steps, clothing protection, practice makes perfect pedaling, staying positive and patient, and working toward the sense of independence and accomplishment that your child will experience when learning to ride his or her own bike.

Social and Recreation Class: MN Zoo Ocean Odyssey
2024-06-17 13:30 - 2024-06-21 16:30 | Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, MN
Ages 8-11
Dive into an underwater world teeming with sea turtles, sharks, and seahorses. Each day, explore a different ocean habitat including coral reefs, tide pools, and estuaries.

Sensory Friendly Saturday, Bell Museum
2024-06-15 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

A Year with Frog and Toad
2024-06-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Children’s Theatre
CTC understands that patrons with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sensory Processing Disorder have unique and varying sensory needs and sensitivities, as may individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, and other sensory, social, and cognitive disabilities and mental illnesses.
CTC values creating accessible theatre experiences for all individuals in our community and is committed to increasing access and inclusion for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
At our Sensory Friendly performances, sensory modifications are balanced with preserving the engaging theatre experience desired by all children and families.

What to expect

Audience lights left on low throughout the entire performance
Overall sound reduction throughout the entire performance; noise-reducing headphones and disposable ear plugs are also available at the Audience Services and Access Desk.
Aspects of productions may be modified for the Sensory Friendly performance. These modifications may include changes to lighting, sounds, and performance qualities such as eliminating strobe effects, lessening the intensity of a sound effect, and modifying actor-audience interaction.
Access to the Take-a-Break Space, which is equipped with a variety of fidgets, weighted blankets, and other sensory supports
When attending shows on the UnitedHealth Group Stage, access to the Quiet Room, a place that allows the performance to be viewed with some separation from the audience
Additional CTC staff who’ve received training from Fraser and on-site volunteers from Fraser

Audience members are welcome to bring their own manipulatives, seat cushions, comfort objects, and extra support items to the show. Families may select their own seats when purchasing tickets online, but if special assistance or a buffer seat is needed, please contact the Ticket Office at 612.874.0400.

AuSM LGBTQIA Support Group
2024-06-13 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.

Behavior Frontiers Sensory-Friendly Animal Adventure with the MN Zoo!
2024-06-12 16:00 - 18:00 | Behavior Frontiers Autism Center – Edina, 5215 Edina Industrial Blvd Suite 200, Edina, MN, 55439
Join us for an unforgettable adventure at our Autism Center as we welcome the Minnesota Zoo for an exciting and educational experience! Get ready to embark on a journey filled with live animals, captivating storytelling, and interactive activities that are perfect for all ages. This event is free.
Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Time: 4-6pm
Location: Behavior Frontiers Autism Center – Edina
Come and witness the magic of the animal kingdom as the Zoo’s Zoomobile Naturalists take us on a thrilling journey, right here at our center. Get up close and personal with fascinating creatures, learn about their habitats, and engage in hands-on activities that will leave you with memories to cherish.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to explore the wonders of nature in a sensory-friendly environment. Mark your calendars and get ready for an adventure like no other!
Program and animal experience provided by the MN Zoo.
nvalle@behaviorfrontiers.com, 310.985.5530

Free Parent Education Event- Water Safety with SwimPossible
2024-06-11 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual Event
This free event is great for parents of those with Autism and other sensory sensitivities to learn Swim and Water Safety to keep their children safe this summer.
info@familyachieve.org
651.738.9888

Sensory Friendly Event - Eagles Nest Indoor Playground
2024-06-09 17:30 - 19:30 | Eagles Nest, 400 10th St. NW, New Brighton, MN, 55112, United States
Does your child or someone you are close to, have a child that has challenges with traditional playground settings? How about large crowds? New Brighton Parks and Recreation understands that not all children can attend the Eagles Nest during normal business timeframes. That is why we have partnered with the Minnesota Autism Society to create a series of Sensory Friendly events at the very popular Eagles Nest Indoor Playground at the New Brighton Community Center.
There will be a limited number of admissions sold at a reduced rate for each session. Each is from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Attendees can guarantee admission by pre-purchasing admission for their children on the City’s website.
The Parks and Recreation Department will have additional staff on site to assist with accommodation requests, as well as a quiet space for those who need a break during the event.
Lori.Hokenson@newbrightonmn.gov

Sensory Friendly Sunday at the Walker Art Center
2024-06-09 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
2024-06-08 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
2024-06-08 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.

AuSM Women's Support Group
2024-06-06 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.

Plain Language and Easy Read: An Introduction to Cognitively Accessible Formats
2024-06-06 09:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
This presentation will cover the basics of cognitive accessibility and cognitively accessible formats when writing for autistic people and other people with IDD. We will talk about the difference between plain language and Easy Read, strategies when writing in plain language or Easy Read, and the basics of illustrating and formatting plain language and Easy Read documents. No prior experience in cognitively accessible formats is required; however, please come prepared to try writing in these formats.

Autism Support Playdate
2024-06-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Crystal Lake Education Center, 16250 Ipava Ave, Lakeville, MN, 55044
Join us for a monthly playdate with your kiddos! The June playdate will be held at the fully fenced-in playgrounds at Crystal Lake Education Center/Small Wonders Preschool in Lakeville. Future locations will vary depending on the time of year and weather, but we look forward to having you join us. Free.
All events will be in a fully enclosed area for safety. All ages are welcome!
(857)753-0523, anna@thelancastercollective.com
