After her presentation at the Minnesota School Social Workers Association’s 2023 fall conference, AuSM Therapist Sara Lahti was approached by audience members who made a point of saying how neurodivergent-affirming her presentation was. Sara’s presentation, “Helping Autistic and Neurodivergent Children Through Trauma,“ was a discussion…
Minnesota’s 2023 legislative session brought historic progress from lawmakers in the ongoing work to eliminate subminimum wage in Minnesota, advocacy that AuSM supports. The Task Force on Subminimum Wages – co-chaired by Jillian Nelson, AuSM’s Community Resource and Policy Advocate – made several…
In recent years, autistic adults have shared how important it is for them to receive care from neurodiversity-affirming providers. Neurodiversity refers to the fact that human beings have a wide variety of minds, sensory systems, and ways of processing the world. To be a neurodiversity-affirming provider means not simply accepting…
The Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) has curated a wide-ranging slate of autism experts and self-advocates as presenters for its 2024 Minnesota State Autism Conference, returning April 17-19, 2024. Keynote speakers include Joyner Emerick, Dr. Devon Price, and Dr. Paula Kluth. AuSM’s conference will also feature 28 breakout sessions…
AuSM’s June 6 Workshop, Plain Language and Easy Read: An Introduction to Cognitively Accessible Formats, is a must-see for everyone who wants to create more accessible flyers, articles, handouts, and other materials. Hosted by Donnie TC Denome, this presentation will cover the basics of cognitive accessibility and cognitively accessible formats…
WE’RE LOOKING FOR COMMITTEE MEMBERS! The Autistic Community Summit Committee is a group of community members who volunteer their time to make the Autistic Community Summit run. The 2024 Autistic Community Summit will take place in November. The venue is yet to be determined. The role of the Autistic Community…
AuSM is thrilled to share that we can now accept monthly donations! To help launch this new program, our goal is to reach 100 new recurring donors by the end of March: help us by becoming one. Steady support from donors like you is essential to AuSM’s ability to serve…
Photo by Shelia Nelson Calling all artists on the autism spectrum: Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) is seeking submissions from autistic artists to feature on our website. If selected, prints of your artwork will be sold through AuSM’s Threadless Shop. Combine your creativity with your generosity – and…
The Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) has long been supported by people outside of our organization who independently lead their own fundraising initiatives, with proceeds benefitting AuSM. In thanks to them – and to encourage more support from the at-large community – AuSM has created an online platform with…
AuSM has published its 2024 Summer Recreation Catalog, with social and recreational opportunities for autistics of all ages, as well as educational programs for families. As much as education is about learning to learn, it’s about learning to socialize – and recess rules the day. Recreation builds relationships when students…