January 1, 2018        Minnesota's First Autism Resource.
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FEATURE ARTICLES
Steps of Hope for Autism in Minnesota 2018 registration is open!
Are you ready for the ultimate autism community event of the year? Steps of Hope for Autism in Minnesota 2018 will be coming your way on Sunday, March 4, 2018 from 8:30-11 a.m. Held at Southdale Center in Edina, Steps of Hope will feature the state's largest annual autism resource fair, fun games, the 2nd annual AuSM Flash Dash, and a huge opportunity to join this awesome community in raising dollars to support programs and services for those affected by autism in Minnesota.  Registration is open! Plan to participate and start rallying your team of AuSM fundraising heroes!

Fundraisers will receive one FREE limited edition Love Your Melon AuSM customized beanie for fundraising $125. Show your AuSM pride with this unique cap! Beanie supplies are limited. 

Super Fest captures excitement of Super Bowl LII and puts you on the field
AuSM is partnering with The Matthew Foundation, ESPN, and other local organizations to bring you an exciting, hands-on event on the eve of the Super Bowl, Saturday, Feb. 3 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Held at the Eden Prairie Football Dome, Super Fest's purpose is to showcase inclusion and provide an opportunity for the developmental disability community to participate together with their peers and feel a part of the most festive football weekend of the year. 

Super Fest is a inclusive football clinic, cheerleading clinic, and scrimmage and features people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities participating together. The event culminates in a game day experience with the national anthem, player name announcements, scrimmage, and cheer performance.

Registration for Super Fest will open SOON! Please watch AuSM's website and your e-mail box for more information. This event is expected to fill quickly.  Click here for more information and to sign up to receive an e-mail notification when registration opens.
Learn how to become an advocate: AuSM SCHOLARSHIP opportunity
AuSM invites you to participate  in the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Advocacy Training workshop on Jan. 23 at the  MNDOT Cafeteria, 395 John Ireland Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.
 
To fulfill its mission of advancing advocacy, AuSM is offering five scholarships to self-advocates who are interested in learning more about having their voices heard by Minnesota lawmakers.
 
This workshop will cover a dvocacy and why it is important, w hat issues are important, h ow to tell your story, and h ow to schedule and meet with your legislator and will include a dvanced sessions on connecting with the Department of Human Services, community living, and disability services.
 
To apply for an AuSM scholarship for this advocacy workshop, please submit your first name, last name, e-mail address, and a short paragraph (100 words or less) explaining why you would like to participate by Friday, Jan. 5, 2018 to ojames@ausm.org .
 
Those selected to receive scholarships also will be invited to AuSM in February to discuss implementing the techniques learned and next steps for building advocacy within our community.
AuSM PERSPECTIVES: Ask the Therapist
Barbara L. Photo
Dear Dr. Luskin,

My 15-year-old was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was 10. Recently we have noticed him making a lot of negative statements about his autism. He does not want to have anything to do with others with ASD because he "does not want to be weird". How do we help him accept his diagnosis?

Worried

Dear Worried,

It can be tough to ask someone to change if they don't want to, but there are some things that you can do to help your son feel more at ease. First, remember that adolescence is hard for most people, and as teens become more self-aware they become more sensitive to being different in any way. Your son's rejection of his diagnosis is in part due to his increasing ability to be aware of how others see him. Click here to read the complete reply.

Interested in receiving AuSM's monthly "Ask the Therapist" e-mail? Click here and opt in.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
AuSM Social Skills Classes 
for Youth and Young Adults
Led by autism experts, AuSM social skills classes foster confidence and self-esteem while participants learn how to make friends, interact with a group, practice socializing, and have fun - all while educators encourage participants to be themselves. Classes offer low-stress, accepting environments that promote learning and growth while celebrating neurodiversity.


WINTER
ComedySportz Improv - Beginner and Advanced (ages 14-26) - BEGINNER SESSION IS FULL. Click on the link to join the wait list.
AuSM Autism Direct Support Certification
AuSM's Autism Direct Support Certification Program is designed for professionals who work with individuals with autism or who want to better provide service to those with autism spectrum disorder. This in-depth course will give practical solutions for working with people on the spectrum. This program is offered once per season.

Winter Session - A few spaces remain!
Saturdays
Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2018
9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Life With Autism Series
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AuSM's Life with Autism Series offers information and strategies to parents, caregivers, family members, relatives, educators, and the community through engaging, age-focused classes led by autism experts and parent speakers. Participants also learn about available services and resources.

Dates: Jan. 13
Cost: $25 for members, $40 for non-members

Dates: Feb. 24
Cost for one or two participants: $50 for members, $75 for non-members

Dates: Feb. 10
Cost for one or two participants: $50 for members, $75 for non-members

Dates: Mar. 10
Cost for one or two participants: $50 for members, $75 for non-members

Click on this button to register for a Life with Autism Series class.

ClicktoRegister
AuSM Skillshops

Jan. 23, 2018
7-9 p.m.
Beyond the Crystal Ball: Planning for the Future
Presenter: Allycia Wolff, The Arc Greater Twin Cities
Location: Autism Society of Minnesota

Planning is key to a secure, happy, and healthy future. Learn about the importance of planning for your loved one with a disability. An attorney who specializes in the disability field also will discuss estate issues that families need to consider.

ClicktoRegister

Coming Soon: 2018 AuSM Summer Activities Catalog!
Keep your eyes peeled on www.ausm.org and watch your mailbox for AuSM's 2018 Summer Activities Catalog, which will be available in January 2018. This catalog will be full of social skills classes, AuSM Summer Camps, and more! The next issue of AuSM Connections will include a summer preview. Registration for summer activities and camp will open on Jan. 29, 2018. 
INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
UNITING THE COMMUNITY
In partnership with area businesses and organizations, AuSM is pleased to offer monthly opportunities for families and individuals with autism to come together and enjoy fun activities in supportive, welcoming environments. 
Autism Society of Minnesota | 651.647.1083 | info@ausm.org |   www.ausm.org

Established in 1971, the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to education, advocacy and support designed to enhance the lives of those affected by autism from birth through retirement. AuSM does not sell or share the contact information of our members, volunteers, donors, or supporters.

Autism Society of Minnesota, 2380 Wycliff St. #102,  St. Paul, MN 55114