AuSM

MNprov Mixers (in-person) for Adults (18+)
2025-11-27 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-11-20 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-11-13 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-11-06 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-10-30 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-10-23 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Youth Performance Company, 641 Fairview Ave N Suite 191, Saint Paul, MN, 55104, United States
At MNprov, we believe the magic of improv isn’t just about laughs (though there’s plenty of that) — it’s about building connections, confidence, and creativity. And doing so in a way that’s accessible to everyone. Our goal is to empower diverse learners to build social-emotional skills, resilience, and meaningful connections through the art of improv. And guess what? It works!
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.

AuSM Family Members of Adults on the Spectrum Support Group
2025-11-20 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.

Sensory Friendly Art Club
2025-11-20 16:30 - 18:00 | Mess Hall Arts, 906 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN, 55343, United States
This Art club is being put on between the collaboration of Mess Hall Arts and the Down Syndrome Association of MN.
This curriculum is designed for 5th-9th graders focusing on Sensory Exploration. Each class is focused on 1 or more sensory experience through art and creation. We use Paint, Clay, Recycled Materials, Found Objects and more to create art pieces each class. We focus on Process not product so that each child feels accomplished and has something to take home at the end of each class.

BIPOC Parents of Children with Autism Support Group
2025-11-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
BIPOC parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder gather to discuss challenges, triumphs, and strategies for support. This group is welcome to all parents and caregivers of kids with disabilities who identify as black, indigenous, and people of color.

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2025-11-19 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.

Not the Right Mom
2025-11-16 14:00 - 17:00 | O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University, 2004 Randolph Ave, St. Paul, MN, 55105, United States
A dynamic solo show written and performed by Megan Dolan, is a heartfelt comedy about a mother raising a son on the spectrum, who feels she’s falling short of expectations. With humor, warmth, and brutal honesty, Megan persists through painful playdates, bewildering support groups, and crazy making meal times – taking countless wrong turns along the way.
“Megan gifts the audience the one thing every parent is looking for: a safe space to redefine heroism as the ability to laugh, love, and cry all while wanting to slow down time because you don’t want to miss a thing.” –LA Parent Magazine
The performance will be followed by a post-show conversation with occupational therapy faculty member Kristine Haertl, PhD, and members of the autism community, Elizabeth Duffy, MS, OTR/L and Michelle Pettit, MAOT’16, OTR/L.

Spookley & the Christmas Kittens Sensory Friendly Performance
2025-11-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins, MN
This performance is a Sensory Friendly Performance. Sensory Friendly Performances are designed for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, as well as those with other sensory, social, cognitive disabilities and mental illnesses.
Sensory Modifications Include:
• Light in the theatre will remain on throughout the performance
• Loud noises and intense lighting will be lowered or removed.
• Crowds are minimized, audience members can move around throughout the performance.
• Fidgets and noise-cancelling headphones are encouraged and available. Audience members are welcome to bring their own manipulatives, seat cushions, comfort objects, and extra support items to the show.
• Theatre Guides and Plot Summaries will be provided in advance before each Sensory Friendly Performance.
• A Quiet Room will be available to use throughout the performance, which is equipped with sensory supports.
Notes
All performances of Spookley and the Christmas Kittens will be in the Jaycees Studio, a versatile space located in the Hopkins Center for the Arts. Seating is general admission and begins 30 minutes prior to show time. Come early for the most seating options!

Sensory Friendly Saturday, Bell Museum
2025-11-15 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

AuSM LGBTQIA Support Group
2025-11-13 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.

AuSM Professional Networking Group
2025-11-13 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.

Charting the LifeCourse Fundamentals Series
2025-11-13 09:00 - 12:30, 2025-11-06 09:00 - 12:30 | Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain, 2025 East River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States
Charting the LifeCourse was developed by parents as a way to support the people they love to live a good life. Charting the LifeCourse has tools that can help you and your child plan, communicate, and problem-solve about things that are important to them.
CtLC Fundamentals is designed to equip learners with a core knowledge of the CtLC person-centered framework. It provides an interactive experience of applying the CtLC guiding principles and tools, facilitated by a Certified Trainer.

Know Your Rights
2025-11-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual Event
Disability rights are applicable to every area of life, from housing, to education, from employment to public access. Join Jillian Nelson, Policy Director for the Autism Society of Minnesota to learn more about the rights that protect people with autism, how to access those rights and how to seek support if those rights are violated. This session will provide key information and resources and is not meant to provide legal advice or situation specific guidance.

Understanding Autism
2025-11-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
Understanding Autism is AuSM’s introductory class. You’ll learn all about the diagnosis, common characteristics, and some basic evidenced-based best practices to support autistic individuals and sensory processing sensitivities. Each session lasts one hour with time for you to ask specific questions.
Who Should Participate
Caregivers, parents, grandparents, group home and day program staff, Personal Care Attendants, and health care staff will benefit from this class. *Note, this is a single-session class. Content is the same for all sessions. AuSM offers these sessions at different times to accommodate as many schedules as possible. When registering, select the session that works best for you.

Sensory Friendly Sunday at the Walker Art Center
2025-11-09 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.

Saturday Fun/Respite Day
2025-11-08 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.

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2025-11-06 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

AuSM Women's Support Group
2025-11-06 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.

School Seclusion, Suspension, and Expulsion: What Families Need to Know
2025-11-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual Event
Join us for a conversation on exclusionary discipline in schools with parent and advocate Maren Christenson Hofer, Executive Director of the Multicultural Autism Action Network. Learn about the history of these practices, how they are defined, what the data tells us about who is most affected, parent and student rights, and the current discussions going on at the legislature about their use.

Sensory Friendly Hours at the Minnesota Transportation Museum
2025-11-01 13:00 - 16:00 | Minnesota Transportation Museum, 193 Pennsylvania Ave, St Paul, MN, 55130
The Minnesota Transportation Museum is committed to welcoming all train enthusiasts! From 1-4pm on the first Saturday of the month, noises and lights in the museum will be minimized and sensory tools will be available to borrow. Sensory tools will also be available on our short caboose ride (included in admission). The admission cost for an adult is $15, student (6-16) is $10, and preschooler (3-5) is $5.

Sensory Friendly Halloween Performance of Roald Dahl's The Enormous Crocodile
2025-10-31 19:00 - 20:00 | Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis, MN
This is a special Sensory-Friendly performance of Roald Dahl’s Enormous Crocodile. The performance has been adjusted for our audience member with sensory sensitivities. Your ticket price includes a box of animal crackers. Come early to enjoy lobby activities, including a photo opportunity, a reading nook, and special Halloween activities and crafts. Stay late to interact with your favorite characters and get your program signed!!

Neurodiversity Halloween Hangout
2025-10-31 17:00 - 20:00 | Minnesota Streetcar Museum, 4200 Queen Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN, 55410, United States
Accommodations offered for sensory styles.
Please note Streetcar cannot operate in heavy rain or snow

Helping Students Thrive: Using the Charting the LifeCourse Framework in Schools
2025-10-27 12:00 - 13:30 | Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain, 2025 East River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States
This session is for families and educators who want to work together to support students. You’ll learn how to use Charting the LifeCourse tools to focus on what’s important to each student—their needs, goals, and dreams—and how to plan for school and life with them at the center.

Bernadette Spray & Friends : A Benefit Show for The Autism Society of MN
2025-10-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Crooners Supper Club, 6161 Highway 65 NE, Minneapolis, MN, 55432, United States
For this show, Bernadette will be singing an eclectic mix of new and old jazz arrangements. She will be sharing her own journey of how jazz can be a powerful and positive way to exercise and build social connections through music.
Omar Abdulkarim: Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Ben Ehrlich: Drums
Kavyesh Kaviraj: Piano
Billy Peterson: Bass
Bernadette Brownrigg Spray is a jazz singer who is making a name for herself among the Twin Cities Jazz community. With her unique style and scatting abilities, Bernadette breathes new life into the Great American Songbook. Diagnosed with autism at age 2, Bernadette discovered singing as her best way to communicate with the world around her. Bernadette’s strong affinity for jazz started at age 7. Her influences include Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughn to name just a few. Bernadette holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Augsburg University. She has performed at Jazz Central Studios, Crooners, The Metronome, Volsteads, The Berlin, as well as Taste of MN and The Twin Cities Jazz Festival. She is a current recipient of a MN State Arts Board grant.

AuSM Independent Adults with ASD Support Group
2025-10-23 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.
