Jan. 1, 2020 News for the Minnesota autism community.
Happy New Year from AuSM Staff and Board!
AuSM Featured Articles
Registration is open for 3rd annual Super Fest
Join AuSM and other community partners while you experience the fun of the Super Bowl in an accessible atmosphere during the Third Annual Super Fest held at Life Time Sport Winter Park from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on Feb. 1, 2020. This inclusive cheerleading and football clinic is open for youth aged 5-22 with and without disabilities to learn from local coaches and players. Registration is open and is limited.  Click here for more information and to register.
Lowry Nature Center offers opportunities to get outside and enjoy winter
AuSM is pleased to partner with Three Rivers Park District and Lowry Nature Center to offer a Winter Explorations for Teens and Adults (ages 13+) class on Jan. 26. The class, offered from 12:30-3:30 p.m., will feature nature exploration and recreation. Look for animal tracks and other clues. Make friends and practice communicating your needs during safe, off-trail adventures. Try kick sledding and, if conditions are good, go for a snowshoe hike. Click here for more information and to register for this exciting winter adventure!
Register for and celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Steps for Autism in Minnesota
Register today to join us for the 20th Annual Steps for Autism in Minnesota, a community fundraiser featuring the state’s largest annual autism resource fair and the AuSM Flash Dash. Steps for Autism will be held at Southdale Center from 8:30-11 a.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2020.

The 4th Annual AuSM Flash Dash powered by Accra, will be a quick walk, stroll, or roll around the first floor to kick off Steps for Autism 2020. All ages and abilities are welcome to participate. Registered Flash Dash finishers will receive medals from Accra, our generous sponsor, and bragging rights. The cost is $5 to participate.

In addition to the AuSM Flash Dash, the 20th Anniversary of this event will feature "Steps of Possibilities," a highlight of success stories from adults with autism. Stories and photos will be displayed on posters during Steps for Autism.

Steps for Autism in Minnesota 2020 fundraising incentive prizes include an AuSM Logo Mug, an AuSM Scarf, an AuSM Cribbage Board, and Faribault Woolen Mill Winter Mittens. 100% of dollars raised through Steps for Autism are tax deductible, stay local, and support programs and services that allow people affected by autism in Minnesota to grow and thrive.

Plan now to participate in this exciting event for our local autism community on March 1. The event will culminate in an awesome dance party led by AuSM summer camp staff, princesses, and other costumed characters.

AuSM Education
AuSM's social skills classes promote friendships and growth
AuSM classes and activities offer low-stress, accepting environments that promote learning and growth while celebrating neurodiversity. Call 651.647.1083 ext. 16 or e-mail education@ausm.org for more information. AuSM is committed to making your class experience positive and rewarding. Click on the below links for more information and to register.


Registration for AuSM's 2020 summer camps and social skills classes will open Jan. 27 at 8 a.m. AuSM's Summer Preview will be available in the Jan. 15 issue of AuSM Connections.
Life with Autism and Understanding Autism classes
Life with Autism Series

  • Feb. 8, 2020: Adolescence and Transition (11-21 yrs.) sponsored by Autism Advocacy & Law Center, LLC
  • March 21, 2020: Childhood (18 mos.-10 yrs.)
  • May 8, 2020: Adults (18+) sponsored by Autism Advocacy & Law Center, LLC


Understanding Autism and Best Strategic Practices
  • Jan. 20, 2020 from 2-4 p.m. 
  • March 14, 2020 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. 
  • May 4, 2020 from 6-8 p.m.
Learn with AuSM Skillshops and Certification

Jan. 14, 2020
Alderian Psychology and ASD
Location: AuSM, St. Paul
Livestream Purchase Available

Jan. 28, 2020
Suicidality and ASD
Location: Lionsgate Academy, Shoreview

Feb. 18, 2020
Preventing & Recovering from Burnout: Real World Self-Care
Location: AuSM, St. Paul
Livestream Purchase Available


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.

Winter 2020 Session
Saturdays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Jan. 11, 18, 25, 2020

Spring 2020 Session
Mondays from 6-9 p.m.
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2020

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
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. Events and activities submitted by community partners are subject to change. AuSM encourages you to visit the websites provided at least one month prior to attending an event or activity as many require advance registration and some have limited capacity. An event or activity may be postponed or canceled without notice. AuSM does not endorse events and activities included in these listings. We look forward to seeing you out and about in our great community! 

The second edition of AuSM's Guide to Sensory-Friendly Minnesota will be available within the next couple of weeks!


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

Jan. 2: Movie Theater Outing, Academy of Whole Learning Winter Break Activity Days
Jan. 3: Children's Theatre Company Sensory-Friendly Performance of Cinderella
Jan. 3: Tech Day, Academy of Whole Learning Winter Break Activity Days
Jan. 4: Navigating MSP Airport
Jan. 5: Sensory Sensitive Sunday, Chuck E. Cheese’s
Jan. 5: Sensory and Family Friendly Worship, Cross of Peace Lutheran Church
Jan. 11: Movie Event–Frozen 2, Autism Allies
Jan. 11: Females on the Tech-Spectrum, REM5 VR Laboratory
Jan. 12: Autism Friendly Early Entry, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
Jan. 12: Sensory-Friendly Early Open, Heritage Library
Jan. 12: Sensory Friendy Sundays, The Bakken Museum
Jan. 12: Sensory Friendy Sunday, Walker Art Center
Jan. 12: Sensory-Friendly Play at Eagles Nest Indoor Playground, New Brighton Community Center
Jan. 12: Sensory-Friendly Saturdays, Wentworth Library
Jan. 12: Sensory Jump, Urban Air Adventure Park
Jan. 14: Sensory-Friendly Concert: Violin and Bass Duo, Minnesota Orchestra
Jan. 19: Sensory Friendly Sundays, Science Museum of Minnesota
Jan. 21: Pizza Ranch Gathering, Autism Allies
Jan. 25: Sensory-Friendly Saturdays, Wescott Library
Jan. 26: Sensory Friendly Sundays French Regional Park, Three Rivers Park District
Jan. 26: Sensory Friendly Family Night, REM5 VR Laboratory
Jan. 26: Sensory-Friendly Sunday, Mill City Museum
Jan. 28: Sensory Friendly Saturday, Bell Museum
Jan. 30: Snacks & Cinema: Men in Black International , Reach for Resources