MNprov Mixer – 90 minutes of improv games, fun, and new friends for neurodivergent adults 18+
2024-05-15 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-05-22 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Highland Park Community Center, 1978 Ford Pkwy, St Paul, MN, 55116
The MNprov MIXERS are a safe place for neurodivergent adults to have fun, meet new people, increase confidence and decrease stress. No experience is necessary. This event is free.
Improv is inherently inclusive. All members are necessary for the success of the scene, and everyone’s offers are incorporated into the scene. The improv rule of “Yes, and…” allows participants to feel safe & supported and more willing to take risks. As players say “YES” to each other and add their ideas, they will build trust and create something brand new together.
There will be a maximum number of 12 participants. We have a 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: https://mnprov.org/mnprov-mixers
info@mnprov.org
952.649.9699

Highland Park Community Center – Village View Room, 1978 Ford Pkwy

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2024-05-15 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-06-19 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.

AuSM Professional Networking Group
2024-05-16 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.
RSVP

Love For Autism TCAF Golf Classic
2024-05-17 09:00 - 16:30 | MN
Twin Cities Autism Foundation is proud to hold its 3rd annual charity golf event – the Love For Autism Classic! Please register today to enjoy a day of fun, fellowship and friendly competition! Registration includes golf, cart and great food! There will be raffles, silent auction items, and a putting contest!

Event Times

Friday, May 17, 2024
9:00 AM – Check in begins
10:00 AM – Shotgun Start
3:00 PM – Dinner and awards
4:15 PM – Silent auction ends

Contact

Laura Olson
Contact Manager

Location

Fox Hollow Golf Club
4780 Palmgren Ln NE
St Michael, MN 55376

Sensory Friendly Saturday, Bell Museum
2024-05-18 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-06-15 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

Steps for Autism 2024
2024-05-19 09:00 - 12:00 | ROC at the St. Louis Park Rec Center, 3700 Monterey Drive, St Louis Park, MN, 55416
Steps for Autism is all about supporting our community – and connecting people with services, supports, and each other. Help build an inclusive Minnesota by donating or registering as a fundraiser (or both!) to show your support for autistic people in your life.
DONATE: Step forward with a gift to help support impactful programs and services benefiting Minnesota’s autism community.
FUNDRAISE: Make further impact by stepping up as a fundraiser to help create a more accessible and welcoming community.
ATTEND: Join us May 19 for a resource fair, fun activities, food, entertainment, and community building. Next steps toward autism acceptance start with you.

AuSM Workshop: Minnesota Service Navigation
2024-05-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual Event
Join Jillian Nelson, AuSM’s Community Resource and Public Policy Advocate, as she discusses the nuances of Minnesota service navigation. Jillian will also provide her own perspective of service navigation as an autistic adult. Learn what services are available and which ones may work best for you and your loved ones. Services vary on an individual and family basis; Jillian is not able to provide what an individual will qualify for in services. However, she can walk you through what the process is like and how to find out what someone qualifies for in the state of Minnesota.

Neurodiversity rides on the Streetcar!
2024-06-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Como-Harriet Trolley, Lake Harriet, Minneapolis
A special time for neurodiverse folks, families, and friends. Come ride in community, all neurologies and expressions welcome. Please let us support your accommodation wishes!
The Depot and the platform are wheelchair accessible but the Streetcar built in 1908 has stairs.
$3 ride or $7 unlimited, season passes available, age three and under free
leahharp@gmail.com, 773.490.6217

Autism Support Playdate
2024-06-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Crystal Lake Education Center, 16250 Ipava Ave, Lakeville, MN, 55044
Join us for a monthly playdate with your kiddos! The June playdate will be held at the fully fenced-in playgrounds at Crystal Lake Education Center/Small Wonders Preschool in Lakeville. Future locations will vary depending on the time of year and weather, but we look forward to having you join us. Free.
All events will be in a fully enclosed area for safety. All ages are welcome!
(857)753-0523, anna@thelancastercollective.com

Plain Language and Easy Read: An Introduction to Cognitively Accessible Formats
2024-06-06 09:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
This presentation will cover the basics of cognitive accessibility and cognitively accessible formats when writing for autistic people and other people with IDD. We will talk about the difference between plain language and Easy Read, strategies when writing in plain language or Easy Read, and the basics of illustrating and formatting plain language and Easy Read documents. No prior experience in cognitively accessible formats is required; however, please come prepared to try writing in these formats.

AuSM Women's Support Group
2024-06-06 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.

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2024-06-06 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

Saturday Fun/Respite Day
2024-06-08 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.

Respite Saturday Fun Day
2024-06-08 13:00 - 17:00 | Laura Baker Services Association, 211 Oak Street, Northfield, MN, 55053
Unwind and reset while your loved one enjoys Saturday Fun at Laura Baker Services Association at 1 p.m! This inclusive, four-hour event is catered to individuals ages five and older with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A $20 ticket will include snacks, activities, games and music while socializing and building new connections!
Cost is $20. Fee waivers are available to those who qualify.
Learn more and secure your spot: laurabaker.org/services/family-support
Contact: Atiya Mansfield, mansfield@neuger.com, 612.664.0726

Sensory Friendly Sunday at the Walker Art Center
2024-06-09 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.

Sensory Friendly Event - Eagles Nest Indoor Playground
2024-06-09 17:30 - 19:30 | Eagles Nest, 400 10th St. NW, New Brighton, MN, 55112, United States
Does your child or someone you are close to, have a child that has challenges with traditional playground settings? How about large crowds? New Brighton Parks and Recreation understands that not all children can attend the Eagles Nest during normal business timeframes. That is why we have partnered with the Minnesota Autism Society to create a series of Sensory Friendly events at the very popular Eagles Nest Indoor Playground at the New Brighton Community Center.
There will be a limited number of admissions sold at a reduced rate for each session. Each is from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Attendees can guarantee admission by pre-purchasing admission for their children on the City’s website.
The Parks and Recreation Department will have additional staff on site to assist with accommodation requests, as well as a quiet space for those who need a break during the event.
Lori.Hokenson@newbrightonmn.gov

Free Parent Education Event- Water Safety with SwimPossible
2024-06-11 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual Event
This free event is great for parents of those with Autism and other sensory sensitivities to learn Swim and Water Safety to keep their children safe this summer.
info@familyachieve.org
651.738.9888

Behavior Frontiers Sensory-Friendly Animal Adventure with the MN Zoo!
2024-06-12 16:00 - 18:00 | Behavior Frontiers Autism Center – Edina, 5215 Edina Industrial Blvd Suite 200, Edina, MN, 55439
Join us for an unforgettable adventure at our Autism Center as we welcome the Minnesota Zoo for an exciting and educational experience! Get ready to embark on a journey filled with live animals, captivating storytelling, and interactive activities that are perfect for all ages. This event is free.
Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Time: 4-6pm
Location: Behavior Frontiers Autism Center – Edina
Come and witness the magic of the animal kingdom as the Zoo’s Zoomobile Naturalists take us on a thrilling journey, right here at our center. Get up close and personal with fascinating creatures, learn about their habitats, and engage in hands-on activities that will leave you with memories to cherish.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to explore the wonders of nature in a sensory-friendly environment. Mark your calendars and get ready for an adventure like no other!
Program and animal experience provided by the MN Zoo.
nvalle@behaviorfrontiers.com, 310.985.5530

AuSM LGBTQIA Support Group
2024-06-13 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.

A Year with Frog and Toad
2024-06-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Children’s Theatre
CTC understands that patrons with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sensory Processing Disorder have unique and varying sensory needs and sensitivities, as may individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, and other sensory, social, and cognitive disabilities and mental illnesses.
CTC values creating accessible theatre experiences for all individuals in our community and is committed to increasing access and inclusion for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
At our Sensory Friendly performances, sensory modifications are balanced with preserving the engaging theatre experience desired by all children and families.

What to expect

Audience lights left on low throughout the entire performance
Overall sound reduction throughout the entire performance; noise-reducing headphones and disposable ear plugs are also available at the Audience Services and Access Desk.
Aspects of productions may be modified for the Sensory Friendly performance. These modifications may include changes to lighting, sounds, and performance qualities such as eliminating strobe effects, lessening the intensity of a sound effect, and modifying actor-audience interaction.
Access to the Take-a-Break Space, which is equipped with a variety of fidgets, weighted blankets, and other sensory supports
When attending shows on the UnitedHealth Group Stage, access to the Quiet Room, a place that allows the performance to be viewed with some separation from the audience
Additional CTC staff who’ve received training from Fraser and on-site volunteers from Fraser

Audience members are welcome to bring their own manipulatives, seat cushions, comfort objects, and extra support items to the show. Families may select their own seats when purchasing tickets online, but if special assistance or a buffer seat is needed, please contact the Ticket Office at 612.874.0400.

Social and Recreation Class: MN Zoo Ocean Odyssey
2024-06-17 13:30 - 2024-06-21 16:30 | Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, MN
Ages 8-11
Dive into an underwater world teeming with sea turtles, sharks, and seahorses. Each day, explore a different ocean habitat including coral reefs, tide pools, and estuaries.

Helping Your Child with ASD Learn to Ride a Bike
2024-06-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Autism Society of Minnesota, 2380 Wycliff St. Ste. 102, Saint Paul, MN, 55114, United States
Challenges with body awareness, balance and motor control, and hand-eye coordination can make riding a bike difficult. Learn a number of tips for successful bike riding including purchasing equipment, making bike adjustments, breaking down riding into smaller steps, clothing protection, practice makes perfect pedaling, staying positive and patient, and working toward the sense of independence and accomplishment that your child will experience when learning to ride his or her own bike.

Camp Hand in Hand 2024 Session 1
2024-06-19 - 2024-06-23 | Camp Knutson, 1148 Manhattan Pt. Blvd, Crosslake, MN, 56442, United States
Camp Hand in Hand is held at Camp Knutson, north of Brainerd in Crosslake, Minn. on a peninsula between Trout Lake and Lower Whitefish Lake. This serene camp location features beautiful woodland settings with modern air-conditioned cabins and bathrooms. All of Camp Knutson’s facilities have been either newly renovated or recently built, including the addition of a large recreation center. Nutritious meals are served in a group dining room.
Activities include swimming, boating, tubing, horseback riding, fishing, crafts, archery, nature exploration, biking, and music groups led by a board-certified music therapist. Activities focus on social interaction and communication. The camp also offers a small ropes course, paddleboats, and canoes for additional fun. Evenings include themed activities, snacks, and time to relax.
AuSM-trained camp counselors and experienced program staff carefully plan and maintain a well-run, relaxed, and rewarding camp experience.

AuSM Professional Networking Group
2024-06-20 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 Family Members of Adults on the Spectrum Support Group
2024-06-20 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.

Freaky Friday: The Musical
2024-06-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110
For every mainstage show in our season, Children’s Performing Arts hosts a relaxed performance. This allows patrons with sensory, social, physical, and cognitive needs to attend a production in a safe and welcoming environment. Modifications to this performance include lights remaining dim in the audience, elimination of intense lighting and sound effects, and audiences being free to move around the space and make any noises they need to make. Fidgets, noise-canceling headphones, and modified seating are also welcome into the space! Pay what you can.

Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella - sensory friendly
2024-06-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Merrill Community Center, 4200 Pioneer Drive, Woodbury, MN, 55129
When Ella meets a dragon-slaying young prince who is just assuming control of his government, Ella helps spark transformation and empower the disenfranchised in their kingdom. With the help of her fairy godmother, a pumpkin and a little magic and humor, Ella, Prince Topher and their generous friends will inspire and delight the whole family. Featuring new characters, a hilarious libretto, surprising twists, and an unforgettable score. This Rodgers + Hammerstein Broadway adaptation of the well-loved classic invites us to build a better, kinder world together.
A portion of the proceeds from this production will go straight to Joy Collaborative, who create life enriching spaces for youth with life-limiting conditions. Learn more about them and what they do ar Joy Collaborative.
This Sensory-Friendly performance will differ from the other performances in the following ways:
House lights at half light throughout the performance;
Patrons allowed to move around the house as needed;
Overall sound reduction for entire performance, other adjustments as deemed necessary by production team;
Activity tables available outside the theatre for those who need a break;
Audience members are welcome to bring their own manipulatives, seat cushions, comfort objects, and extra support items to the show;
A welcoming environment and an audience that is limited to those desiring a sensory-friendly experience.
