Our newest resource is intended to help autistics practice flexibility, whether in seeing different perspectives, considering alternative options or ideas, adjusting plans, being open to change, or transitioning between activities. Many autistic individuals have a strong preference for routine and similarity. It can be overwhelmingand stressful when things change, when…
Have you ever heard the term “splinter skills” and wondered what it meant? Our latest resource is an introduction to splinter skills, including the difference between splinter skills and savant skills, information about the uneven autistic developmental profile, common challenges, and ways you can support someone who has splinter skills.
On the heels of some of the bigger headlines coming out of Minnesota’s 2023 legislative session are several lesser-reported yet historic gains for the autism community, including the elimination of parental fees for TEFRA and waiver services, education funding to reduce the special education cross-subsidy, and provisions to decrease exclusionary…
Backed by two Innovations Grants from the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) is supporting two nonprofit partners – Somali Parents Autism Network (SPAN) and Multicultural Autism Action Network (MAAN). AuSM and its nonprofit partners are helping families and individuals affected by autism overcome…
AuSM’s latest free resource is a guide like no other. If you are an event organizer, a teacher, a community organizer, or anyone who wants to create spaces that are accessible and inclusive, this guide is for you. While most resources around event accessibility focus exclusively on attendees, our guide…
Autism Acceptance Month got a prominent boost from Minnesota’s highest state office when Gov. Tim Walz issued the following State of Minnesota Proclamation: “WHEREAS: Autism Acceptance Month began as Autism Awareness Month, but the autism community has since outgrown autism awareness and grown into autism acceptance; and WHEREAS: In Minnesota…
The Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) is kicking off Autism Acceptance Month by challenging its community to engage in dialogue – and challenging conventions in posting this message on the nonprofit org’s website: “In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly established April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, which…
To further its mission to create connections empowering everyone in the autism community with the resources needed to live fully, the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) will raise funds by hosting its 23rd Annual Steps for Autism in Minnesota at the Como Lakeside Pavilion on May 21. Individuals,…
Jean Bender’s profound impact on the autism community was heralded by many of her colleagues at AuSM’s annual meeting of its Board of Directors, staff, and community on February 22, 2023. Jean is stepping away from AuSM’s Board after a decade of compassionate service during which she held nearly every…
The Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) has curated a wide-ranging slate of autism experts and self-advocates as presenters for its 2023 Minnesota State Autism Conference, returning April 26-28, 2023. Keynote speakers include autistic journalist and author Eric Garcia, speech-language pathologist and social-cognitive therapist Kari Zweber Palmer of Social Thinking,…