AuSM

AuSM Family Members of Adults on the Spectrum Support Group
2025-04-17 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-03-20 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.

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2025-04-16 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-03-19 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.

MNProv Mixer Virtual
2025-04-16 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-04-09 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-04-02 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-03-26 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-03-19 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
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.

Sensory Friendly Mornings at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
2025-04-16 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-04-05 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.

30th Annual Minnesota Autism Conference
2025-04-16 - 2025-04-18 | Doubletree Hilton Minneapolis Airport Hotel, 2020 American Blvd. E, Bloomington, MN, 55425, United States
The 30th Annual Minnesota Autism Conference will be held April 16-18, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis Airport Hotel. Join us for this landmark gathering to access the latest insights and resources on autism in one place. This year’s conference will feature inspiring keynote speakers and informative breakout sessions designed for autistics, family members, educators, and professionals alike.

Understanding Autism
2025-04-14 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.

Sensory Friendly Sunday at the Walker Art Center
2025-04-13 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
2025-04-12 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.

¡Celebremos juntos la diversidad y fortalezcamos nuestra comunidad TEA!
2025-04-12 09:00 - 12:00 | Thompson County Park Dakota Lodge, 1200 Stassen Ln, West St. Paul, MN, 55118, United States
Acompáñanos en un evento especial de concientización, inclusión y conexión entre familias de niños, jóvenes y adultos con autismo.
¿Qué te espera?
Un panel inspirador con adultos autistas latinos y sus familias, compartiendo sus vivencias, aprendizajes y consejos.
Mesas de recursos con información clave sobre discapacidad y apoyos disponibles para las familias.
¡Búsqueda del tesoro en el parque! Una divertida actividad para explorar juntos y disfrutar en familia.
Fecha: Sábado 12 de abril
Hora: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Lugar: Thompson County Park – Dakota Lodge
1200 Stassen Ln, West St Paul, MN 55118
Registro gratuito aquí: bit.ly/TEACOMUNIDAD
¡No te lo pierdas! Será una mañana de conexión, aprendizaje y diversión para toda la familia.

MNProv Mixer In-Person
2025-04-10 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-04-03 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-03-27 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-03-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Youth Performance Company, 641 Fairview Ave N Suite 191, Saint Paul, MN, 55104, United States

AuSM LGBTQIA Support Group
2025-04-10 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
2025-04-10 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
2025-04-08 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
2025-04-03 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
2025-04-03 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.

Policy Power: Advocacy Skills For an Inclusive Future
2025-03-29 10:00 - 13:30, 2025-03-22 10:00 - 13:30, 2025-03-15 10:00 - 13:30 | Autism Society of Minnesota, 2380 Wycliff St. Ste. 102, Saint Paul, MN, 55114, United States
Dive into the world of civic engagement and disability advocacy in this dynamic, three-session course led by AuSM’s Policy Director. Tailored for adults with autism and their allies, this program welcomes participants from intersecting marginalized communities and will provide accommodations to ensure accessibility and inclusion.
The course begins with an exploration of disability history in the U.S., celebrating civil rights victories while identifying ongoing challenges in areas like education, healthcare, employment, and housing. Participants will collaborate on projects to envision policy changes and will gain an understanding of how ideas transform into laws.
Session 2 shifts to hands-on practice, where participants present individual ideas, form workgroups around shared goals, and draft mock legislation. They’ll also learn key advocacy skills, such as storytelling, meeting facilitation, and lobbying regulations.
In the final session, a current or former state legislator will join to provide real-world insights and feedback during mock meetings. Participants will leave with concrete advocacy tools, established coalitions, and actionable goals to drive future change for the disability community.
Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just starting your civic journey, this course equips you with the knowledge, skills, and connections to make a lasting impact.

AuSM Independent Adults with ASD Support Group
2025-03-27 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.

When You Trap a Tiger Sensory Friendly Performance
2025-03-22 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.
Notes
All performances of Señorita Mariposa, When You Trap a Tiger, and Tell Me Your Dreams will be in the Jaycees Studio, a versatile space located in the Hopkins Center for the Arts. Seating is general admission and begins 30 minutes prior to show time. Come early for the most seating options!
