AuSM

Autism Certification
2025-05-16 09:30 - 12:30, 2025-05-09 09:30 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Event
This certificate program is designed to prepare professionals, educators, caregivers, and service providers, to provide direct support to people impacted by autism. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the autism diagnosis, the issues affecting autistic people, and some of AuSM’s favorite support strategies. This three-part series is ideal for support staff, PCAs, group home staff, educational aides, and anyone who works directly with autistic individuals. Individuals on the spectrum also are welcome and encouraged to attend to increase their self-awareness and to share their unique perspectives. Email education@ausm.org for information about discounted group rates.
Training Objectives

Understand Autism Spectrum Disorder and how autism can affect communication, relationships, and behavior.
Explore the social issues impacting the autism community and how you can help autistic people thrive.
Apply evidence-based practices to support autistic people experiencing challenges.

Who Should Participate?

Job coaches
Support staff
Personal Care Attendants (PCAs)
EIDBI Tier 3 providers
Educational aides
Direct support personnel
Group home staff
Day training and habilitation professionals
Anyone who works directly with individuals with autism
Individuals with autism

Each session is limited to 15 participants. Licensed professionals may submit documentation from the AuSM Autism Direct Support Certification Program to licensing boards for Continuing Education Unit (CEU) consideration (up to 15 hours).

MNProv Mixer In-Person
2025-05-15 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-05-08 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-05-01 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-04-24 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-04-17 18:30 - 20:00 | Youth Performance Company, 641 Fairview Ave N Suite 191, Saint Paul, MN, 55104, United States
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. Individuals are welcome to take breaks as needed. Participants are encouraged to let us know how we can best support them. Because this is on ZOOM, participants from greater Minnesota have an accessible way to attend.
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
2025-05-15 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-04-17 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.

MNProv Mixer Virtual
2025-05-14 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-05-07 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual Event

Sensory Friendly Mornings at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
2025-05-14 09:00 - 10:00 | Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul, Minnesota
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is an energetic, colorful place full of sensory stimuli, and we know this environment can be overwhelming for some guests. This is a time designed for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families to explore the zoo without the crowds. Como strives to provide a positive, welcoming experience for every visitor.

AuSM Adult Coffee Club
2025-05-13 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.

Understanding Autism
2025-05-12 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
2025-05-11 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.

Saturday Fun/Respite Day
2025-05-10 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.

AuSM LGBTQIA Support Group
2025-05-08 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.

AuSM Professional Networking Group
2025-05-08 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.

Informational Workshop: Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI)
2025-05-06 13:30 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
The session will cover EIDBI: Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention, a program for families with children under 21 who have autism or related conditions. The presenter is Nicole Berning from the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Topics include CMDE evaluations, how to apply for EIDBI, available services, and family rights.

Sensory Friendly Mornings at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
2025-05-03 09:00 - 10:00 | Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul, Minnesota

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2025-05-01 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

AuSM Women's Support Group
2025-05-01 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.

MyPath Social Night at the MN Transportation Museum
2025-05-01 18:00 - 20:00 | MN
The mission of My Path is simple, build confidence and independence in individuals with all abilities while fostering the courage and perseverance to accomplish their goals. We are holding a free event at the MN Transportation Museum. Come learn about our services and enjoy food, dancing, and free prizes!

Sensory Friendly Performance of Disney's The Little Mermaid
2025-04-26 14:00 - 16:00 | Twin Oaks Middle School, 15860 Fish Point Road SE, Prior Lake, MN, 55372, United States
Prior Lake Players will be doing a sensory friendly performance of our current production, Disneys The Little Mermaid. We are excited to open our theatre space for those with sensory sensitivities. We will be reducing noise and lights and also creating the space for sensory needs to be met as needed.

Minnetonka Fire Department Sensory-Friendly Open House
2025-04-26 10:00 - 13:00 | Minnetonka Fire Station #1, 14550 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN, 55345
This event is intended for people with Autism and other sensory disorders which may make attending our larger annual open house difficult or impossible. Our goal is to keep this event smaller and quieter. A sensory room will be available for those who need a quiet space. There will be fire trucks, a police quad and an ambulance on display. We also plan to have a few therapy animals here including our Police Dog Samson.
• No lights and sirens • Fire trucks, ambulance and police car display • Inflatable slide • Meet a firefighter • Cookies for all

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
2025-04-26 10:00 - 12:00 | 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.

AuSM Independent Adults with ASD Support Group
2025-04-24 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.

Empowering Special Needs Families
2025-04-23 12:00 - 13:30 | 2075 Mendakota Drive, 2075 Mendakota Drive, Mendota Heights, MN, 55120, United States
Come join us for lunch at the Mendakota Country Club and hear the latest updates on school advocacy, transitions to adulthood, guardianship, and financial considerations when raising a special needs child. Connect with other parents, learn from experts, and leave feeling inspired and confident in your parenting journey. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to invest in yourself and your family! Emmy award-winning comedian and radio host, Sheletta Brundidge, will EMCEE the discussion, adding her own anecdotes from her journey as the mother of three kids with autism. Sheletta has risen in stature as an influencer, social media phenomenon, and activist for people with autism and entrepreneurs.

Panelists Include:
Tonia Teasley, Executive Director of the PACER Center Tonia is a mission-driven executive who has a passion for inspiring others to accomplish more than they dreamed possible and the ability to turn obstacles into opportunities. She is currently using that passion and ability as Executive Director of PACER Center, a non-profit organization that helps children with disabilities and their families find the path to the education, services and technology they need to lead purposeful lives. She also writes a blog at UntangletheKnot.org, telling stories of the complexities of accessing services for children with disabilities.
Megan Kelly, Attorney, Northwoods Law Group. Megan Kelly is an attorney and shareholder at Northwoods Law Group in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. She specializes in estate planning, special needs and long term care planning, and guardianship and conservatorship administration.
Jeff Manderfeld, Continuum Capital. Jeff has over 20 years of experience doing financial planning for families, including those with special needs. He is an advocate for children and serves on a board with MHealth Fairview’s Masonic Children’s hospital.
Shannon Stauff, CADRE. Cadre partners with employers and organizations to deliver on-demand resources and create private and public spaces filled with vetted individuals who understand universal human challenges like caregiving, grief, substance use, and navigating life with autism. Shannon is the proud mother of two sons, Sully, 17 and Wyatt, 15, and together they navigate a life full of acronyms including ASD, ADHD, GAD, and CPTSD. Shannon believes in the power of sharing her story to help others feel less alone .

Sensory Friendly Saturday, Bell Museum
2025-04-19 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

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2025-04-16 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.
