AuSM

AuSM Professional Networking Group
2025-12-11 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-01-08 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Sensory Friendly Art Club
2025-12-11 16:30 - 18:00, 2025-12-18 16:30 - 18:00, 2025-12-25 16:30 - 18:00, 2026-01-01 16:30 - 18:00, 2026-01-08 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.

AuSM LGBTQIA Support Group
2025-12-11 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-01-08 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.

MNprov Mixers (in-person) for Adults (18+)
2025-12-11 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-12-18 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-12-25 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-01-01 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-01-08 18:30 - 20:00 | 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.

Elf the Musical, Jr. - Stages Theatre Sensory Friendly
2025-12-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins, MN
This performance will be in our Mainstage Theater. Seating will be General Admission. Seating will begin 30 minutes prior to the performance.
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

Cookies & Cocoa with Behavior Frontiers: A Holiday Celebration
2025-12-13 10:00 - 13:00 | Behavior Frontiers, 480 Osborne Road Northeast, Suite 260, Spring Lake Park, MN, 55432, United States
Celebrate the Grand Opening of our newest Autism Center in Fridley, MN with holiday cookie decorating and cozy hot cocoa from Ben & Jerry’s
Celebrate the season – and the opening of our newest Autism Care Center in Fridley, MN! Join us for a Sensory-Friendly Holiday Cookies & Cocoa Celebration as we officially welcome families to our brand-new ABA therapy center, our 6th location in Minnesota!
Designed with sensory needs in mind, this festive open house blends holiday fun with meaningful connection and care.

Saturday Fun/Respite Day
2025-12-13 13:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-10 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
2025-12-14 08:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-11 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.

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2025-12-17 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.

BIPOC Parents of Children with Autism Support Group
2025-12-18 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.

Cookies & Cocoa with Behavior Frontiers: A Holiday Celebration
2025-12-18 16:00 - 18:00 | Behavior Frontiers Autism Center – Edina, 5215 Edina Industrial Blvd Suite 200, Edina, MN, 55439
Celebrate the season at our Autism Care Center in Eagan, MN with holiday cookie decorating and cozy hot cocoa from Ben & Jerry’s
Join us for a Sensory-Friendly Holiday Cookies & Cocoa Celebration as we welcome families to our ABA therapy center in Eagan, Minnesota!
Designed with sensory needs in mind, this festive open house blends holiday fun with meaningful connection and care.
Event Highlights:
🍪 Decorate Your Own Holiday Cookies – Fun, sensory-friendly activity for kids with autism
☕ Cozy Hot Cocoa Bar by Ben & Jerry’s – Warm up with a cup of holiday cheer
🎁 Giveaways – Celebrate with special holiday goodies (while supplies last!)
🏡 Tour Our Center – Explore our state-of-the-art therapy rooms and play spaces
👩‍⚕️ Meet Our Expert Clinical Team – Learn about our personalized, data-backed ABA therapy programs from your local clinical team
We can’t wait to celebrate the holidays with the Eagan community and share how Behavior Frontiers helps children with autism build communication, social, and daily living skills, all in a warm, supportive setting that feels like home for the holidays.
📍 Location: Behavior Frontiers Eagan Autism Center 1915 Plaza Drive, Suite 101, Eagan, MN 55122
📅 Date: Thursday, December 18, 2025
🕙 Time: 4pm – 6pm
This free, sensory-friendly holiday event is open to the community and families interested in ABA therapy and early intervention.

AuSM Family Members of Adults on the Spectrum Support Group
2025-12-18 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
2025-12-20 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

Sounds of the Season: Relaxed Matinee With Organist Greg Zelek
2025-12-20 15:00 - 17:00 | Northrup Memorial Auditorium, 84 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States
Experience the season’s magic at this “Relaxed” holiday matinee concert featuring Northrop Organist Greg Zelek. The program includes selections from “A Charlie Brown Christmas”—pairing pipe organ and drums—timeless carols, and a member of the Minnesota Boychoir performing “Walking in the Air.”
Relaxed Matinee: During a Relaxed Matinee, house lights will remain at a glow, sound levels will be lowered, and the audience will be warned of any surprises. Attendees can come and go as needed, assisted by ushers trained to accommodate movement and sound. Relaxed Matinee tickets are Pay What You Wish.
In partnership with the Autism Society of Minnesota, Northrop is offering a Sensory Friendly Lounge equipped with sensory supports and staffed by trained volunteers during select performances. The lounge will allow guests who are experiencing hyper (too-much) or hypo (not-enough) sensitivities to watch the performance from a monitor, or take a break from the performance all together.

Santa's Sensory Friendly Train Shop
2025-12-22 12:00 - 15:00 | Minnesota Transportation Museum, 193 Pennsylvania Ave, St Paul, MN, 55130
This event is designed for guests of all ages and abilities to enjoy a calm and welcoming visit with Santa. Lighting, sounds, and other sensory elements will be adjusted to create a more comfortable environment for sensory sensitive visitors. A reduced number of tickets will be sold, ensuring a smaller than usual crowd.

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2026-01-01 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

Sensory Friendly Hours at the Minnesota Transportation Museum
2026-01-03 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.

Understanding Autism
2026-01-12 10:00 - 11:00 | 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.
