AuSM Expands Workshop Offerings, Reaching More People in 2024
In 2024, AuSM made a significant leap forward in its mission to provide essential educational resources to the autism community. Since 2020, AuSM has moved nearly all workshops and classes to a virtual format, and in 2024 we increased the number of workshops offered in order to reach more participants throughout Minnesota. With a renewed focus on these essential educational offerings, AuSM’s reach has flourished: in 2022, our workshops reached 239 participants. Just two years later, that number has grown to 469—an increase of 96%. This growth reflects the increasing demand for these services and the positive impact these workshops have on the lives of individuals with autism, their families, and their support systems.
A Year of Growth and Accessibility
AuSM’s decision to move workshops online has proved to be a game-changer for accessibility. In the past, geographic barriers often limited access to critical educational offerings. Now, with virtual platforms, our workshops are available to participants across Minnesota, including rural communities that previously had few resources. The ability to attend from home or other convenient locations has removed a key obstacle for many, ensuring that all members of the autism community can benefit from these important learning opportunities.
Topics That Matter: Supporting the Community
These workshops offer a rare opportunity to dive deep into topics that are crucial for the autism community. From navigating executive function challenges in the workplace to understanding guardianship laws, our offerings are designed to address the unique needs of autistics and their families. By covering topics like the importance of voting, strategies for learning to drive, and how to access services in Minnesota, we’re helping to build a well-rounded and informed community. Each workshop’s topic is selected to create a balanced slate of programming that offers something for all the stakeholders in our community, including autistics, educators, family members, and professionals supporting autistics.
One participant shared the following feedback, illustrating how these workshops have made a real difference:
“You did a great job with the training on executive functioning. I’ve been excitedly trying out the resources with my kids and clients.”
This feedback highlights the practical impact of our workshops. The resources provided don’t just stay theoretical—they are tools that participants can apply immediately in their daily lives, improving both personal and professional experiences.
Looking Forward to 2025
As we look to 2025, we’re excited to continue expanding our workshop offerings and reaching even more people. The growth in participation over the past year has motivated us to further improve our virtual accessibility and the diversity of topics we cover. We’re committed to ensuring that all those who benefit from our workshops, no matter where they live, can access the information they need to thrive.
For more information about AuSM’s upcoming workshops in 2025, please visit our workshops page.