June 1, 2018  News and events for the Minnesota autism community.

FEATURED ARTICLES
1st Annual AuSM Connections Jigsaw Puzzle Competition July 21 at Mall of America
Are you ready to take on the nation's biggest puzzle competition challenge? Put your jigsaw puzzling passion to the test during the first annual AuSM Connections Jigsaw Puzzle Competition held at the Mall of America Rotunda on Saturday, July 21. Gather your friends and family into teams of four that will compete for the fastest puzzle completion time. Puzzle team divisions include Adult and Family, registration is $50 per team. All proceeds support Autism Society of Minnesota programs and services for our local autism community.

Adult Division (four players 18+)
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Family Division (at least one player must be under 18)
1-3 p.m.

Prizes will be awarded in both divisions to the three teams completing their puzzle in the quickest time. Teams will keep their competition puzzle created by PuzzleTwist®.

Hennepin County Adults with Autism: Attend the AuSM Self-Advocacy Summit for free - must apply for grant by June 4, 2018
Due to the generosity of the Hennepin County Autism Grant, AuSM is pleased to offer the opportunity for individuals who reside in Hennepin County to participate for free in the first annual AuSM Self-Advocacy Summit presented by Anime Twin Cities. The summit will take place Sept. 22, 2018 and will include a keynote presentation and nine breakout sessions featuring topics including mental health, executive functioning, sensory needs, employment, relationships, and more. This event is for individuals on the spectrum, by individuals on the spectrum. 

The 200 AuSM Self-Advocacy Summit grants ($85 value) are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and we ask that only those who can attend the summit take advantage of this grant. Those interested in taking advantage of this free registration opportunity must respond by Monday, June 4, 2018. Additional details about the summit will be announced soon. Only those who are not already receiving waiver funds from Hennepin County are eligible for this grant.  Click here for more information and to apply for your free registration.
Autism 5-Point Scale App surpasses 100,000 worldwide downloads
The free Autism 5-Point Scale Emergency app developed by the Autism Society of Minnesota and the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities in 2011 has achieved more than 100,000 downloads worldwide from locations including the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, India, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Based on concepts from The Incredible 5-Point Scale  by authors Kari Dunn Buron and Mitzi Curtis (Autism Asperger Pub. Co., 2003), the app helps individuals with autism and other disabilities act, react, and interact quickly in emergency situations. With a touch of a screen, information is provided and can help facilitate interactions for a "safe" outcome for both the individual and first responder. Click here for more information and for links to download the app.
Vitals app now available for FREE
The Autism Society of Minnesota is pleased to announce that Vitals™ is being offered FREE of charge to individuals and caregivers in Minnesota. Vitals™ is an opt-in, app-based technology that provides first responders and police with real-time information about vulnerable individuals living with emotional, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. Click here for more  information.
Golf to support the local autism community
Join the Autism Society of Minnesota and avid Minnesota golfers for the 23rd Annual AuSM Golf Classic, a fundraising event for the local autism community. Held Aug. 6 at its new location, the new Royal Golf Club course in Lake Elmo, Minn., this amazing golf classic is sure to be the best Monday of your summer!

Rolling hills, mature trees and abundant wildlife provide the scenic backdrop to the challenging, yet approachable 18-hole course. The front nine, or the Queen's Nine, was designed by Annika Sorenstam, and the back nine, known as the King's Nine, was designed by Arnold Palmer. Together, these golf legends envisioned a multi-generational golfing experience; a place where beginners would feel comfortable in learning, and where experienced players could test their skills.

Walker Art Center provides welcoming environment
On Sunday, June 3, Walker Art Center will host its second Sensory Friendly Sunday. During this event, the galleries will be closed to all other visitors, allowing guests to enjoy the museum in a calm environment where accommodations such as quiet spaces, noise-canceling headphones, and fidgets are provided. This event is free, but registration is encouraged. Click here for more information and to register.

Photo Courtesy of Walker Art Center. Photo by Galen Fletcher.
AuSM SUMMER CAMPS - WE NEED STAFF!
Make 2018 a summer to remember during Camp Hand in Hand
AuSM's 2018 summer camps are full, and that means we need a full staff, too! Have you been curious about what it takes to be an AuSM camp counselor? We'd love to tell you more!   Click here for more information about participating in this rewarding summer experience, or contact AuSM's director of camp programming, Terri Borowick, at camp@ausm.org or 651.647.1083. 

We're also searching for a registered nurse to help during session 3 of Camp Hand in Hand. Click here for a position description, and contact Terri for more info.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
2018 AuSM Summer Activities Catalog 
AuSM classes and activities offer low-stress, accepting environments that promote learning and growth while celebrating neurodiversity. AuSM programs are conducive to youth and adults who fall within the wide range of the autism spectrum. Call 651.647.1083 ext. 22 or e-mail   education@ausm.org for more information. 

SUMMER CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH AND ADULTS
The following classes have just a few openings remaining:
Lowry Nature Center (ages 13-18)
Toneworks Art Camp (ages 10-21)
2018 AuSM Summer Social Skills classes in Duluth 
AuSM is pleased to partner with the Lake Superior Zoo and the Great Lakes Aquarium to offer two exciting social skills classes for youth with autism. 

July 23-27, 2018 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

July 30-Aug. 2, 2018 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
AuSM Autism Direct Support Certification
AuSM's Autism Direct Support Certification Program is designed for professionals and caregivers who work with or support individuals with autism and want to provide better service and care. This in-depth, 15-hour course will give practical solutions for working with people on the spectrum. Class includes final case study and test.

Monday-Friday
June 11-14, 2018
9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Fridays
Sept. 14, 21, 28; Oct. 5, 12, 2018
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
AuSM Skillshops

Oct. 16, 2018 from 7-9 p.m.
Special Needs & Special Sibs: A Family AuSM Skillshop
Presenter: Jennifer S. Reinke, PhD, LAMFT, CFLE
Location: St. David's Center

"Autism doesn't just affect my kid, it affects our whole family," a mother of an 8-year-old child with autism said. Explore the unique challenges, rewards, and dynamics experienced by families impacted by a variety of special needs. Special emphasis will be placed on the experiences and needs of siblings (ages 10+) who have a brother or sister with special needs. All family members are welcome at this AuSM Skillshop.

ClicktoRegister

The 2018-2019 AuSM Skillshop line-up will be announced soon!
INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
SUPPORT AuSM PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Autism Society of Minnesota supporters sustain the work that has helped so many in the Minnesota autism community. AuSM's drive for continuing this work is strong - we constantly look for ways to serve you even better. 100% of donations stay in the Minnesota autism community, and every dollar counts. We appreciate your generosity, and we look forward to continuing to be your resource for autism programs and services.


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