Despite an overall strong labor market, the unemployment rate among autistic adults remains high. AuSM’s research study aims to gather input from autistic adults who are employed, as well as those who are either unemployed or underemployed – and then to share findings that can inform both potential employers and…
AuSM’s next virtual workshop, Language Development in Neurodivergent and Other Gestalt Language Processors, will explain how gestalt language development differs from analytic language development, and how to support it in your clients and students. Presented by Marge Blanc, a speech-language pathologist for 45 years, this workshop is ideal for SLPs,…
Got a topic you’d like to present as a breakout session at next April’s Minnesota Autism Conference? Speaker proposals are due by Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. Breakout sessions will be delivered in person April 17-April 19, 2024 at the Marriott Minneapolis Airport Hotel. AuSM will consider proposals from people who…
It’s here! Each year, AuSM produces two catalogs to keep our community informed about everything we’re up to and we’re thrilled to share that the 2023-2024 Education Catalog is now available. In this piece you’ll find options for several virtual and in-person activities designed to meet the needs of youth…
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…