AuSM

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Lakeshore Players at Hanifl Performing Arts Center
2024-03-14 10:00 - 12:30 (America/Chicago) | Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110
MARCH 8-17, 2024
Adapted by Simon Stephens, based on the novel by Mark Haddon
Fifteen-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain; he is exceptionally intelligent but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor’s dog, he sets out to identify the true culprit, which leads to an earth-shattering discovery and a journey that will change his life forever. Based on Mark Haddon’s best-selling 2003 novel, this harrowing and poignant adventure story features an unforgettable young hero.
Estimated run time is 2 hours, 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
Location

Hanifl Performing Arts Center – Lakeshore Players

4941 Long Avenue
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
U.S.
651-429-5674

MNprov Mixer – 90 minutes of improv games, fun, and new friends for neurodivergent adults 18+
2024-03-13 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-03-06 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-02-28 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-02-21 18:30 - 20:00 | 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

Matty’s Puzzle Pack Hangouts
2024-03-11 18:30 - 20:30
Matty’s Puzzle Pack Hangouts are personal gatherings where both the individual with special needs AND the caregiver can connect, meet friends, share struggles, celebrate milestones and be surrounded by love.
March11th’s Hangout is a fun night being held at Redeemer Lutheran Church (61 Mississippi Street Northeast, Fridley, MN, 55432). We’ll have several stations set up for some fun: musical chairs, silly putty, scooters, bubbles and other games. Some light food will be provided as well. Registration is required for this free event.
What is a Hangout? As much as medical interventions, education, therapies and other services are needed for our special needs loved ones…they also need friends! They need a community of humans where they feel like they’re part of something. They need to find other people to spend time with, where they feel comfortable and confident. Where they don’t feel judged. But what about the parents and caregivers who are giving their all for these precious and sometimes vulnerable children, family members and friends? Who is there for you to talk to? What happenings are consistently there to engage-in, so you can meet people – in- person – who are walking a similar path? There are plenty of wonderful on-line communities to share stories, connect digitally and learn new ideas. But what about finding a “pack” you can be part of, where you can ask questions, be reminded that you’re not alone, AND satisfy your need as a human to actually be with other humans? Please join us at our next Matty’s Puzzle Pack HANGOUT!
All costs are covered by generous donations through Twin Cities Autism Foundation.
https://MattysPuzzlePackHangoutfellowshipfun.eventbrite.com

Sensory Friendly Sunday at the Walker Art Center
2024-03-10 08:00 - 11:00, 2024-02-11 08:00 - 11:00, 2024-01-14 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
2024-03-09 13:00 - 17:00, 2024-02-10 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.

“Shrek the Musical, Jr.” by Unlabeled Theatre Company at Park Square Theatre
2024-03-09 13:00 - 15:00 | Park Square Theater, 20 West 7th Place, St Paul, MN, 55102
This unified performance of Shrek the Musical, Jr. is performed by artist-actors with cognitive and/or physical disabilities partnered with professional or emergent actors to create and perform roles together.
Performances are March 8-9 at 7:00, plus a sensory friendly matinee on Saturday, March 9 at 1:00.

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2024-03-07 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-02-01 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

Utilizing Autistic Expertise in Improving Therapy Services for Autistic Clients
2024-02-29 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual Event
This virtual event is geared towards therapists and other service providers and is open to the general public. It features two Autistic professionals and Autism Advocates who have chosen to provide education about improving services for autistic clients. They will accept questions in advance. Please register https://secure.qgiv.com/for/tifcswe/event/888988/
free, CEU’s available for a fee
icsw.edu

Autism Outdoors Club
2024-02-25 12:30 - 14:30 | Lowry Nature Center, 7025 Nature Center Dr., Victoria, MN, 55386, United States
Try our winter recreation gear. Snowshoe and kicksled in our different habitats. Look for clues to see what the animals have been up to. Make friends and practice communicating your needs during safe, off-trail adventures away from the comforts of home. Participants must be able to demonstrate selfcare skills without assistance, independently follow adult direction and safety rules, and show readiness for large group participation, including always remaining with the group. Co-taught with Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) educators. For guideline information and to learn about AuSM, visit ausm.org. This program is entirely outdoors. Reservations required by two days prior.

You will receive an email from the instructor with more details prior to the program. This program is outdoors; please dress for the weather.

MICC Preview Days
2024-02-22 13:30 - 15:30, 2024-02-20 13:30 - 15:30 | MICC, 7501 LOGAN AVE S. STE 2A, Richfield, MN, 55423
Join MICC for Preview Days, an open house event designed for neurodiverse individuals and those who support their independence journey to learn more about MICC’s unique programs.
Choose from one of four sessions that best fits your schedule:
Tuesday, February 20, or Thursday, February 22
1-3:30 PM, or 4:30-7 PM

Here’s what you can expect from the event:
– Learn more about MICC’s tailored programs for autistic and neurodivergent adults.
– Hear directly from current participants across all our programs, sharing their unique experiences and achievements.
– Take a guided tour of the MICC campus, led by our knowledgeable Participant Ambassadors.
– Engage with a supportive community, including peers and professionals, who are on a similar path as yours.
Registration is required: https://bit.ly/47Ow7bV ; Light refreshments will be available.

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2024-02-21 19:00 - 20:30, 2024-01-17 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 Workshop: Learning to Drive While Autistic
2024-02-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Virtual Event
Driving is viewed as a rite of passage as we enter later teenage years or early adulthood. This workshop will share information and invite discussion on the critical skills needed for driving, how being autistic may impact learning to drive, assessment of driver readiness and driver training, ideas for things that can be initiated in the home, community services and therapies that may improve safe driver potential, and review ideas related to modified independence in the community through use of alternative transportation and delivery services.
About the Presenter: Kathy Woods, OTR/L, CDRS, LDI, is the supervisor of CKRI’s Driver Assessment and Training. She is an Occupational Therapist, Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist, and a MN state licensed driver instructor. Kathy had seven years of experience working in the vehicle modification industry before joining the team at CKRI in 2006. In addition to her role providing oversight and management of the day-to-day operations of the service, Kathy provides clinical testing, behind-the-wheel assessments, and lessons. Kathy has given presentations at the local, state, and national level on driver assessments and vehicle modifications. She is an active member of the Association of Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED); in the past she has served on certification committees and is currently on the publications committee. Kathy has earned an Autism Badge from ADED, which signifies a level of competency within this scope of practice of Driver Rehabilitation.

Dial M for Murder, Guthrie Theatre sensory friendly
2024-02-18 13:00 - 15:00
About the Show
January 20 – February 25, 2024
adapted by JEFFREY HATCHER from the original by FREDERICK KNOTT; directed by TRACY BRIGDEN
While in London promoting her new murder mystery, Maxine drops in on her former lover Margot who shares some distressing news: She’s being blackmailed for a love letter from Maxine that went missing after their affair ended. Margot thinks her husband Tony is none the wiser, but he knows everything — and then some. In fact, his yearlong plan to have Margot murdered will commence the next night, thanks to an airtight alibi. But when Margot kills her assailant in self-defense, Tony’s plot takes an unexpected turn. This clever, fast-paced adaptation adds extra layers to the iconic tale, making the “Will he get away with it?” question even more thrilling.
The Guthrie’s relaxed (or Sensory Friendly) performances, open to all patrons, are intentionally modified to accommodate patrons with sensory and vestibular sensitivities, anxiety, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, learning differences or challenges attending the theater. For more information: https://www.guthrietheater.org/plan-your-visit/accessibility-offerings/relaxed-performances/.
Schedule and Tickets
Sensory Friendly tickets: $29 adult, $15 child. If you have questions about tickets or accessibility accommodation, contact 612-225-6390 or accessibility@guthrietheater.org. To purchase tickets for the Guthrie’s accessible performances, use the accessibility filter on its online performance calendar or call the Box Office at 612-377-2224.

Not Too Late For Love: Dinner+Dance+Fun for People with Neurological and Developmental Disabilities
2024-02-17 15:30 - 18:30 | Maple Grove Covenant Church, 9350 Upland LN N, Maple Grove, MN, 55369
Inclusive post-Valentine’s dinner and dance party for individuals of all ages with intellectual, developmental, and neurological disabilities.

Join us in a sensory friendly-non judgement zone as we get dressed up and have some fun.
All participants receive a professional photograph, dinner, arts, games & crafts.
Come dressed up or come as you are.
End the night with dance party with DJ Mark: Check him out @markhaugendj.

(A quiet area will also be available.)

Dinner: Join us for a made to order Pancake bar including custom toppings, fresh fruit, GoGo applesauce and a CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN.

Door prizes, community resource guide and just a fun time to meet others.

PLEASE NOTIFY OF ALLERGIES AND SPECIAL DIET REQUESTS. WE WILL DOCOUR BEST TO ACCOMMODATE

Admission =$10 (includes 1 caregiver).
Additional caregivers/family = $10/each
Register by 02/13/2024

Follow us on Facebook to hear about future sensory night events. Please message directly with any questions.

(Events held at a church however this event not affiliated with a religion)

Tracy Mindiola RDLD
Owner Persevere Wellness LLC
Www.perseverewellnessllc.com.
P: 612-433-9028
F: 763-898-3408
E: perseverewellness@gmail.com
Inspiring you to reach your goals

Finding Nemo Jr. Relaxed Performance
2024-02-17 14:00 - 16:00 | Children’s Performance Arts, 6101 Scandia Trail, Forest Lake, MN, 55025, United States
For every mainstage show in our season, Children’s Performing Arts hosts a Relaxed Performance (formerly known as Sensory-Friendly). This allows patrons with sensory, social, physical, and cognitive needs (including young children) 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. A quiet space is also available outside of the theatre for patrons who need to take a break. Fidgets, noise-canceling headphones, and modified seating are also welcome into the space!
$17 for Adults, $10 for Students/Seniors, Pay-What-You-Can Tickets are Available
6101 Scandia Trail N
Forest Lake, MN 55025
childrensperformingartsmn.org
515.494.7191, maddier@childrensperformingartsmn.org

AuSM Improv Class w/CSz Twin Cities and Comedy Sportz
2024-02-17 13:00 - 16:30 | Center for Perfroming Arts, 3754 Pleasant Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55409, United States
Our popular collaborative class with CSz Twin Cities and Comedy Sportz returns to Center for Performing Arts on Saturdays, Saturdays from Feb. 17-March 23. Have fun while learning how to respond to the unexpected, engage in reciprocal interactions, and support fellow participants in keeping a scene moving forward.
Ages 14-26
No prior improv experience is necessary. Experienced improv participants may register for the Advanced class; Advanced participants must be pre-approved by the instructor.

Spring
Beginner: 1-2:30 p.m.
Advanced: 3-4:30 p.m.
Saturdays, Feb. 17-March 23
Location
Center for Performing Arts
3754 Pleasant Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55409
Cost Per Session
AuSM Member: $275
Non-Member: $325

Sensory Friendly Saturday, Bell Museum
2024-02-17 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-01-20 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

“The Carp Who Would Not Quit and Other Animal Stories” by the Honolulu Theatre for Youth Ensemble at Children's Theatre Company
2024-02-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Children’s Theatre
Location

Children’s Theatre Company – Cargill Stage

2400 Third Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-874-0400

MapChildren’s Theatre Company – Cargill Stage

Schedule and Tickets
Tickets: $15-$57. Ticket Office: 612-874-0400 or tickets@childrenstheatre.org.
tickets@childrenstheatre.org
Buy Tickets

About the Show
Jan. 16 – Feb. 18, 2024
Could YOU climb up a waterfall??! See a heroic carp who tries just that in this energetic retelling of traditional fables from Japan and Okinawa. Through artful puppetry, masks, and three imaginative actors, you’ll also meet a grateful crane, a mouse who shares, and an industrious rabbit who teaches everyone to do the mochi dance! During this invigorating show from Hawaii, live music played on the koto and taiko drum will accompany young audiences as they dance, clap, and sing along.
For more information about the adaptations for this sensory-friendly performance, go to https://childrenstheatre.org/plan-your-visit/accessibility/sensory-friendly-programming/.
45 minutes with no intermission.

Autism Certification
2024-01-27 09:00 - 16:00, 2024-01-20 09:00 - 16:00 | Virtual Event
This program is designed for professionals and caregivers who work with or support autistic individuals and want to provide better service and care. Autistic individuals also are welcome and encouraged to attend for increased self-understanding and to share their unique perspectives. You will dive deep into the diagnosis, common traits, support strategies, and more!
Learn to:

Identify how people with autism think.
Understand how differences in thinking lead to differences in behavior.
Understand how different tools/interventions address the strengths and challenges of ASD.
Identify tools to support clients and loved ones in different situations.

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).
Location
Virtual
Cost Per Session
$300 per person. A group discount is available for 3 or more participants from the same organization. Contact AuSM at 651.647.1083 to register a group of 3 or more participants for the same session. If you plan to register a group, please reach out a month or more in advance. If you register less than a month before the class, we cannot guarantee that there will be slots available.
UPCOMING SESSIONS
Winter 2024 Session
Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; 1-4 p.m.
Jan. 13, 20, 27
