Feb. 15, 2019 News for the Minnesota autism community.
AuSM Featured Articles
Steps for Autism is just about two weeks away: Are you registered to participate?
Steps for Autism in Minnesota , AuSM's 19th annual family fun walk and the state’s largest annual autism resource fair, will take place at Southdale Center on March 3, 2019.

In addition to being an awesome day of community, Steps for Autism is a fundraiser to support programs and services for those affected by autism in Minnesota. All dollars raised stay in the community and fund AuSM's innovative programs and services for individuals with autism, caregivers, direct service providers, professionals, and more.

Don't forget the AuSM Flash Dash and fundraising
Register for the AuSM Flash Dash presented by Accra, win MN Wild Tickets!

  • Register for the AuSM Flash Dash by Feb. 22: be entered into a drawing to win 6 tickets to MN WILD game on March 16 at 7 p.m., includes 4 tickets to ride the Ice Cruiser during the first intermission

And, don't forget the prizes that every team and individual is eligible for when they fundraise for local individuals affected by autism!

NEW! Tiered Fundraising Prizes: Raise the following amounts and win prizes:
$100: Steps for Autism 2019 T-shirt (One T-shirt per $100 raised, limit 5)
$250: AuSM Water Bottle
$500: AuSM/Soda Brand Baseball Hat
$1,000+: AuSM/ Fjallraven Kanken Book Bag

AuSM and Disability Day 2019 at the Capitol
On Tuesday, Feb. 19 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., join self-advocates, parents, family members, and allies in advocating for services and supports that advance the inclusion and independence of Minnesotans with disabilities. AuSM's Advocacy Committee Co-Chairs Jillian Nelson and Jean Bender will be in attendance handing out AuSM Advocacy Committee stickers. Nelson also will emcee the event. Click here to register for Disability Day 2019.

Schedule of Events:
9 a.m. – Check-in, Department of Transportation Cafeteria, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155
9:30-10 a.m. – Issues and Advocacy Mini-Training: Department of Transportation Basement and Cafeteria
10-10:30 a.m. – Poster Making and Tabling
10:30-11:00 a.m. – March/Roll to Capitol Building
11-11:45 a.m. – Rally in Capitol Rotunda 
24th Annual Minnesota Autism Conference registration is open
Registration for the 24th Annual Minnesota Autism Conference is open. Held April 24-27 at a new venue , the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest, the conference is where we'll join our voices as a passionate network to connect and inspire innovation. Here, expert speakers, educators, professionals, caregivers, and individuals with autism have a platform to exchange knowledge and ideas with one another - all with the goal of enhancing the lives of those on the autism spectrum.

The 2019 event will feature more than 38 breakout sessions and four keynote speakers including Sue Swenson, MBA sponsored by LEND; Theresa M. Regan, PhD, CBIS, CAS; Patrick Schwarz, PhD sponsored by St. David's Center for Child & Family Development; and Jennifer O'Toole sponsored by Minnesota Independence College & Community.

Click here to view detailed conference schedule on AuSM's website.

Super Fest rallies excited athletes and amazing volunteers
Thank you to all of the determined participants and welcoming volunteers who made Super Fest 2019 an amazing success Feb. 2! Hosted by AuSM friends at Paul's Pals, Super Fest 2019 featured inclusive cheerleading and football clinics for youth of all abilities, a visit from NFL football legends, NFL cheerleaders, Victor the MN Vikings mascot, and a game-day experience where participants to showed off the skills they learn during the clinics. Special thanks to Super Fest 2019 supporting organizations: Paul’s Pals, The Matthew Foundation, and the Minnesota Vikings along with The Autism Society of Minnesota, the Down Syndrome Foundation, Flagship Recreation, Fraser-Minnesota, Hope Fieldhouse, Mount Olivet Rolling Acres, and Washburn Center for Children.
AuSM Summer Camps nearly full; support the summer camp wish list
AuSM's Summer Camp programs are nearly full; if you haven't registered yet, we encourage you to do so soon. Limited openings remain in Hand in Hand Session 1, Discovery Session 1, and both sessions of Wahode Day Camp. Click here for more information.

Support AuSM Campers!
AuSM's camp directors have created an AuSM Summer Camp Wish List on Amazon to help improve the camp experience and better serve campers during the 2019 AuSM Summer Camp season. Wish list items range from $6 and up and can be shipped directly to AuSM. If you would like a tax form for your purchased wish list item, please provide your e-mail address in the gift memo field when you are purchasing. Also, when shopping on Amazon (for wish list items or otherwise!), please be sure to select AuSM as your Amazon Smile charity, and Amazon will give a percentage of your purchase to support our local autism community. Your generosity means so much to us and this amazing community we serve. Thank you! 
AuSM Education
AuSM's spring social skills classes
AuSM has a full line up of social skills classes for youth, teens, and adults with autism in the coming months. These activities are sure to keep you warm, even though the outside temps still might be chilly.

Saturdays, Feb. 23-March 30 (Ages 13-18)

April 13 (Ages 13+)
May 11 (Ages 8-12) 

Saturdays, April 6-May 11 (Ages 14-26)

Saturdays, May 4-18 (Ages 10-16) 

Monthly (Ages 14+) at the Wescott Library

Monthly (Ages 18+) at AuSM

Contact AuSM's education department at 651.647.1083 ext. 22 or  education@ausm.org  for further details, or click on the above links to get registered for some springtime fun today!
Register for some summer fun
Life with Autism Series
AuSM's Life with Autism Series offers information and strategies through engaging, age-focused classes led by autism experts and parent speakers. Participants also learn about available services and resources while contributing to the direction of topics covered. Classes are held at AuSM.


Understanding Autism and Best Strategic Practices
Learn common characteristics of individuals with autism and sensory processing disorders. Obtain valuable insight on evidenced-based best practices to support people with autism and sensory processing sensitivities.

Tuesday, June 25, 2019 from 6-8 p.m. 
Tuesday, July 23, 2019 from 2-4 p.m. 
Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Learn with AuSM Skillshops and Certification

Neurodevelopment and ASD: What Does the Research Say?
Feb. 26, 2019
Autism Society of Minnesota

Estate Planning and ABLE Accounts: What You Need To Know
March 12, 2019
Autism Society of Minnesota

Evaluations and Assessments
March 26, 2019
Lindamood-Bell

What Autistic People Wish You Knew
Mary 14, 2019
Autism Society of Minnesota

AuSM’s Autism Direct Support Certification Program is designed for professionals who work with individuals with autism or those who want to better provide support to people on the spectrum. This in-depth, 15-hour course will give practical solutions for working with people on the spectrum.

Mondays, 6-9 p.m.
March 4, 11, 18, 25; April 1, 2019

Summer 2019 Session
Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 10-14, 2019
AuSM Resources, Counseling, and Consulting
AuSM Counseling
and Consulting Services
The AuSM Counseling and Consulting Services team works in partnership with you to develop a plan based on your needs. For many, working with mental heath service providers is a new experience; we want you to feel comfortable and knowledgeable as we strive for positive, individual-focused goals.
Uniting the Community Events
Event Highlight: Shubert Club's sensory-friendly concert featuring Nirmala Rajasekar
Sensory-Friendly Family Concert featuring Nirmala Rajasekar 
Schubert Club 
Feb. 23 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. 
Location: Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul, MN 55102
Cost: $0-$5
In collaboration with community partners, AuSM is pleased to offer opportunities for families and individuals with autism to come together and enjoy fun activities in supportive, welcoming environments. Click here to visit AuSM's frequently-updated online Uniting the Community events and activities calendar.

Below is a highlight of upcoming events; more details about these and all 2019 events and activities are available at the above link.

Feb. 15: Third-Friday Dances St. Louis Park Recreation Center 
Feb. 15: ASD Respite Nights YMCA Austin 
Feb 17: Sensory-Friendly Sunday Science Museum of Minnesota 
Feb. 17: Adaptive Climbing Nights Midwest Climbing Academy 
Feb. 17: Sensory-Friendly Day Duluth Children’s Museum 
Feb. 19: Sensory Jump Night Pump It Up Eden Prairie 
Feb. 20: AuSM Monthly Birthday Celebration and Game Night
Feb. 22: Mr. Poppers Penguins at Children's Theatre Company
Feb. 23: Schubert Club Sensory-Friendly Concert: Nirmala Rajasekar
Feb. 23: Sensory-Friendly Saturdays Wescott Library 
Feb. 23: Sensory-Friendly Experiences at the Great Lakes Aquarium 
March 1: Parents’ Night Out Trinity Church/Special Journeys 
March 1: Teen Night, ARC Mower County 
March 2: Sensory-Friendly Saturdays, Wentworth Library