AuSM

18th Annual Joey's Ride for AuSM
2026-05-16 09:00 (America/Chicago) | 2531 7th Ave E, North St Paul, MN 55109, 2531 7th Ave E, North Saint Paul, MN, 55109, United States
The 18th annual Joey’s Ride for the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) will be held on Saturday, May 16th. The event is $20 per rider/passenger. We will have food, drinks, raffles, 50/50 drawing, silent auction, and much more! Registration starts at 9:00 a.m. and Kickstands go up at 10:30 a.m. The ride will start at Neumann’s Bar and Grill in North St. Paul and end at the VFW North St. Paul Post 1350.
No need to pre-register! Just come the day off and we will set you up.
100% of the proceeds go back to the Autism Society of Minnesota!
AuSM seeks to:

Advocate for legislation and policies that lead to improved services, increased opportunities, and greater self-determination for people with autism.
Educate and inform individuals, families, professionals, and the broader community about autism and effective strategies for support and inclusion.
Support individuals and families through quality programs, counseling services, and resource information.
Collaborate with organizations and individuals who share our commitment to enhancing the lives of those affected by autism.
Build community and provide a welcoming and accessible environment for autistic people to connect and form their own social bonds.

We are excited to see you!
Ronnie and Joey

Sensory Friendly Saturday, Bell Museum
2026-05-16 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-04-18 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

MNprov Mixers (in-person) for Adults (18+)
2026-05-14 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-05-07 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-04-30 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-04-23 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-04-16 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.

AuSM LGBTQIA Support Group
2026-05-14 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.

Sensory Friendly Art Club
2026-05-14 16:30 - 18:00, 2026-05-07 16:30 - 18:00, 2026-04-30 16:30 - 18:00, 2026-04-23 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 Professional Networking Group
2026-05-14 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 Adult Coffee Club
2026-05-12 15:00 - 17:00 | Dogwood Coffee, 2700 University Ave W Suite 100, Saint Paul, MN, 55114, United States
Coffee Club is a space where autistic and neurodiverse adults can connect with each other, foster friendships, and build community while enjoying a favorite beverage and/or snack. Adults are welcome to bring items that make them feel comfortable, can stay as long as they’d like, stim, and parallel play. We ask that participants purchase something from our venues.
AuSM will provide a concierge staff person to help assist with questions, check-in, help with ordering, and manage any issues that arise during the club. AuSM will provide a number of resources, including a social narrative providing club details, parking info, menus, and more. Due to staffing, AuSM is unable to provide one-to-one support, however it is encouraged to bring your own PCA or support person if needed.

Understanding Autism
2026-05-11 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
2026-05-10 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.

Saturday Fun/Respite Day
2026-05-09 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.

C.A.S.T. (Creative, Accepting, Sensory Friendly, Theatre) Winter Theatre Classes
2026-05-09 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-05-02 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-04-25 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-04-18 09:00 - 10:30 | Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins, MN
C.A.S.T. is a year-round educational theatre arts program dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming and comfortable environment for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other sensory sensitivities for Grades 2-12. The program is designed for youth with autism that would like to make new friends, explore deeper levels of communication and self-expression, creatively work on social skills, and develop acting skills and improvisation techniques.
STC teaching artists have direct experience teaching youth with autism, hold Direct Support Certification through AuSM, and are compassionate and flexible educators. Students are welcome to bring fidgets, headphones, and any other supports they may prefer to have with them in class. A designated take-a-break space will be provided for each class, as well.
Dates and Times:
Saturdays from 1/24/2026 through 3/14/2026 from 9-10:30 am (Grades 6-8), 11 am – 12:30 pm (Grades 9-12), and 1-2:30 pm (Grades 2-5)

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2026-05-07 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 House to Home: A Guide to Affirming Home Space
2026-05-07 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual Event
For autistic people and those who support us, our homes are often where we are most able to customize and innovate the environment for access, enjoyment, and rest. How can we effectively and creatively design our home spaces to maximize our well-being? One of our community’s greatest autistic integrators, Joyner Emerick, will share concepts and strategies for building an affirming home, offering tools for sensory accommodation, executive function support, routine, and regulation. This session will provide inspiration for autistic adults, children, and families, as well as providers supporting in-home services.

AuSM Women's Support Group
2026-05-07 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.

All Aboard - Neurodiversity Streetcar Hangout
2026-05-05 17:00 - 19:00 | Como Harriet Streetcar Line, 4200 Queen Avenue, South, Minneapolis, MN, 55410, United States
Join us for a neurodiversity streetcar hangout!
Tuesday, May 5 from 5-7pm
All Neurologies and Expressions Welcome
$3 for a 15 minute ride
$7 for unlimited rides
Platform and Depot are wheelchair accessible. Streetcar had stairs.
Como-Harriet Streetcar Line
Queen Ave S and West 42nd Ave
TrolleyRide.org

Inclusive Storytime with Tiffany Hammond
2026-05-02 14:30 - 16:30 | 680 Jackson St, St Paul, MN 55101, USA, 680 Jackson St, Saint Paul, MN, 55101, United States
Bring the whole family to an inclusive author reading of A Day with No Words by Tiffany Hammond. This colorful and engaging picture book for young readers shares what life can look like for families who use nonverbal communication, utilizing tools to embrace their unique method of “speaking.” The story highlights the bond between mother and child and follows them on a day when they use a tablet to communicate with others. Tiffany will read her groundbreaking storybook, A Day with No Words. She will be joined by advocates, lawmakers, and experts for a conversation about the current legislative movement to increase access to Augmented and Assistive Communication (AAC) devices for all people in Minnesota. Following the reading, please join us for playtime on Gillette Children’s inclusive playground, which features a children’s play space, a meditative courtyard, a wheelchair swing, climbing structures, and a fully accessible treehouse.
Tiffany Hammond is a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and disability advocate. Her work centers the voices of autistic people and celebrates all forms of communication. She is the author of A Day with No Words and the upcoming picture book How Do You Spell Belong? (2027). Tiffany is also the voice behind Fidgets and Fries, where she shares stories of advocacy, identity, and raising her two sons with autism. She has a master’s degree in developmental psychology from Liberty University.
Presented by the Autism Society of Minnesota and Gillette Children’s.

Sensory Friendly Hours at the Minnesota Transportation Museum
2026-05-02 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.

The Right Thing To Do - Stages Theatre Company Sensory Friendly
2026-04-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins, MN
Stages Theatre Company’s 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 health diagnoses.
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.
– Social Narrative, and Plot Summaries will be provided in advance before each Sensory Friendly Performance.
– A Take-A-Break Space will be available to use throughout the performance, which is equipped with sensory supports.

AuSM Independent Adults with ASD Support Group
2026-04-23 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.
