AuSM Family Members of Adults on the Spectrum Support Group
2025-09-18 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-10-16 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

MNprov Mixers (in-person) for Adults (18+)
2025-09-18 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-09-25 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-10-02 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-10-09 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-10-16 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-10-23 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.

Sensory Friendly Saturday, Bell Museum
2025-09-20 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-10-18 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

AuSM Independent Adults with ASD Support Group
2025-09-25 18:30 - 20:00, 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.

10 Affirmations for Parents of Autistic Kids (From a Mom Who Gets It)
2025-09-29 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
Parenting an autistic kiddo comes with plenty of lessons — some hilarious, some heartbreaking, and all very real. Join Miss Shannan Paul — comedian, storyteller, and full-time single mom to her amazing autistic teen — for a session built around 10 affirmations every parent needs to hear.
These aren’t Pinterest quotes or sugar-coated mantras. These are lived-in, laugh-through-the-tears reminders that you are enough, that pauses are not failures, and that progress sometimes looks like crooked haircuts or a rare full night’s sleep.With humor, honesty, and a whole lot of compassion, Miss Shannan shares the affirmations (and the stories behind them) that help her — and hopefully you — keep perspective, release guilt, and find joy on this unpredictable journey. Because yes, it’s hard. But it’s also worth celebrating. And you don’t have to do it alone.

AuSM Women's Support Group
2025-10-02 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.

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2025-10-02 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
2025-10-04 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.

Now and Venn: AuDHD and Overlapping Neurodivergence
2025-10-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
As awareness of neurodivergence grows, more individuals are being identified as having both autism and ADHD, a combination often referred to as AuDHD. This virtual workshop offers an in-depth exploration of what it means to be doubly neurodivergent, focusing on the unique strengths, challenges, and nuances that come with an AuDHD diagnosis.
Led by Beth, an experienced educator and advocate in the field of neurodivergence, the workshop will cover foundational knowledge about AuDHD, including diagnostic criteria, common barriers to receiving an accurate diagnosis, and the interplay between autism and ADHD traits. Attendees will also gain insights into strategies and tools that can help navigate the complexities of living in a world designed for neurotypical individuals. These tools aim to improve day-to-day experiences, enhance quality of life, and foster self-understanding and advocacy.
Whether you are newly diagnosed, suspect you might have AuDHD, or want to better support someone in your life with this dual diagnosis, this workshop will provide valuable information and practical guidance.
Workshop Objectives:

Understand AuDHD Basics: Define what AuDHD is and identify the key traits and behaviors associated with the dual diagnosis of autism and ADHD.
Explore Strengths and Challenges: Recognize the unique abilities, potential challenges, and idiosyncratic traits associated with being doubly neurodivergent.
Learn Diagnostic Criteria and Barriers: Understand the process and qualifications for an AuDHD diagnosis, as well as the systemic, cultural, and individual barriers that can complicate diagnosis.
Discover Practical Tools and Strategies: Introduce tools and techniques to manage daily life, enhance self-regulation, and foster well-being for those with AuDHD.
Promote Advocacy and Self-Acceptance: Encourage self-advocacy and a strengths-based perspective to thrive as a neurodivergent individual in a neurotypical world.

By the end of this workshop, participants will have a deeper understanding of AuDHD and feel empowered with actionable steps to support themselves or others on their neurodivergent journey.

AuSM Professional Networking Group
2025-10-09 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 LGBTQIA Support Group
2025-10-09 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.

Saturday Fun/Respite Day
2025-10-11 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
2025-10-12 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.

AuSM Adult Coffee Club
2025-10-14 16:00 - 18:00 | 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.

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2025-10-15 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
2025-10-16 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.

Trick or Trot
2025-10-18 14:00 - 17:00 | We Can Ride, 4301 County Rd 24, Maple Plain, MN, 55359, United States
Trick or Trot is designed for people of all ages and abilities, including individuals, families, caregivers, and community members. Enjoy fun activities, trick-or-treat through the barn, dress up in costumes or come as you want, meet the horses, play games, enjoy the community of people – there’s a place for everyone to participate and feel included. Our volunteers and staff are trained to work with people of all abilities, ensuring everyone feels supported, encouraged, and safe while having fun!

Understanding Autism Through an Intersectional Lens
2025-10-20 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual Event
Join AuSM’s Understanding Autism class: a free, one-hour session that will give you the essential tools to recognize, respect, and support autistic experiences. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, professional, or exploring your own identity, this class will help you shift from confusion to clarity with a neurodiversity-affirming mindset.
You’ll learn what autism really means, what it often looks like, and how sensory differences can shape behavior. Most importantly, you’ll walk away with practical, evidence-based strategies to make your support more effective and affirming. Every session includes time for your questions, so you’ll get personalized insights to help you take the next step—whatever that may be.
In this special BIPOC session we will also focus on differentials in statistics, common challenges faced by this community and culturally competent resources.

Complimentary Sensory-Friendly Performance: "The Addams Family"
2025-10-21 17:30 - 19:30 | Kasson-Mantorville Drama Department, 101 16th St. NE, Kasson, MN, 55944, United States
On behalf of the Kasson-Mantorville Drama Department we would like to invite you to our third
annual sensory-friendly showing of our All-School Musical. Our outstanding cast is composed of
K-M students from 3rd graders through seniors. We are proud of our District’s incredibly strong
musical and theatrical departments, and are very excited to share this special experience with
all of you.
This year’s performance is The Addams Family, a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in
every family and features an original story – and it’s every father’s nightmare! With its catchy
songs, quirky characters, and laugh-out-loud moments, The Addams Family promises spooky fun
for audiences of all ages. It’s a heartwarming (and hilarious) tale of love, family, and finding
common ground in the unlikeliest of places!
Our sensory-friendly showing is for persons with disabilities and their immediate family members or
support person. The showtime is approximately 2 ½ hours with a 20 minute intermission. There will
be cupcakes and water for sale. For this special performance, the house lights in the performing
arts center will remain on at 50% throughout the show. We will eliminate many special effects
and sound effects, and will reduce the volume of the performance. We will also have
designated space available for anyone that needs a break. All of this information, including a
tour of our facility, will be shared in a detailed video that will be available soon.
We are limiting the seating for this event, so we encourage you to reserve your complimentary
tickets soon.
Tickets may be reserved by scanning the QR code on the attachment or:
https://www.kmdramaboosterclub.org/sensory-friendly-2025
If you need assistance, or have any questions or concerns, please email us: kmdramaplaybill@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Kasson-Mantorville Drama Department

Third Space Neurodivergent Young Adult Retreat
2025-10-23 - 2025-10-26 | St. Paul, Minnesota
This immersive 3-night retreat is designed specifically for neurodivergent young adults (ages 18–28). The weekend provides space for real-life skills, meaningful connection, and self-discovery. Whether you’re navigating ADHD, Autism, OCD, Anxiety, or a combination of these, this retreat is built to meet you where you are and support you in creating the life you want to live.
To ensure an inclusive atmosphere for those with autism and other sensory sensitivities, the retreat is intentionally structured with quiet spaces for regulation, clear schedules with visual supports, and flexible participation options. Activities are designed to balance stimulation with downtime, and staff are trained to recognize and respond to sensory needs with understanding and respect. Our goal is to create an environment where every participant feels safe, supported, and free to fully engage at their own pace.

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.

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.
