April 1, 2020 News for the Minnesota autism community.
AuSM Featured Articles
Autism Societies of Minnesota and Wisconsin announce virtual autism conference
Unprecedented times call for creativity, collaboration, and community. The Autism Societies of Minnesota and Greater Wisconsin are proud to announce a first-ever joint conference that will be brought to you virtually April 30-May 2, 2020. Get access to the keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and exhibitors you have known through our live conferences, but from the comfort and safety of your own home. The combined conference will feature more than 30 cutting-edge topics and will include live and on-demand educational and resource-gathering opportunities that will be available to you April 30-May 2 and at your leisure for up to six months after the conference dates.

If you registered for AuSM's previous in-person conference, we will be reaching out to you soon. For more information about and to register for the Stronger Together in 2020 virtual autism conference, click here.
Coronavirus pandemic autism support resources
As we work through these unprecedented days altered by the COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic, AuSM is here for you. You may be feeling anxious over changes in routines, unsure about how to handle social isolation and distancing, and nervous about copious and often conflicting information available through the news and social media. You are not alone.

AuSM is creating and collecting support resources to help guide you through the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to washing your hands frequently, staying in if you don’t feel well, and social distancing, there are other strategies you can employ that will support your physical and mental health as well as your connection to others.

AuSM will update our pandemic support resources web page frequently. If you have specific support needs, we also encourage you to reach out to us. AuSM’s Information and Resources specialists are available to support you via phone 651.647.1083 and e-mail info@ausm.org.
Help AuSM continue to be Minnesota's First Autism Resource
During this time of uncertainty, schedules are changing frequently, routines are disrupted, and days are unpredictable. We know that life in flux is especially hard on the autism community. We feel it, too.

Through all of this uncertainty, people like you are helping AuSM continue to be Minnesota’s First Autism Resource. Our services are needed more now than ever.

Our community is relying on AuSM’s essential programs and services – mental health therapy, our Information and Resources hotline, autism-specific pandemic guidance, and more – to enhance the lives of those with autism in Minnesota. Your investment now will help ensure that AuSM will remain a constant through this unprecedented time and into the months and years ahead.

We are grateful for your generosity and commitment to our local autism community and AuSM during this extraordinary time. We can't do this without you. Please donate today.


P.S. April is National Autism Awareness Month, but at AuSM, it’s Autism Acceptance and Appreciation Month. COVID-19 will not stop us from celebrating this amazing community. Give today to help our community thrive.
Partner with us as we celebrate Autism Acceptance Month 2020
With a newly announced national prevalence rate of 1 in 54 and Minnesota's prevalence rate of 1 in 44, autism is the fastest growing disability. Everyone knows someone who is touched by autism. Since 1971, AuSM has been committed to enhancing the lives of individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. AuSM serves Minnesotans, throughout their lives, with a fundamental commitment to advocacy, education, support, collaboration, and community building. Every dollar raised for AuSM directly benefits the Minnesota autism community through programs and services tailored to the needs of families, individuals, educators, professionals and beyond.

What can you do?
April is National Autism Acceptance Month, a special opportunity for businesses and organizations to show their support for the autism community. AuSM invites businesses and organizations to partner with us in April to increase autism acceptance.

Accra
Allegra Downtown St. Paul
Anime Twin Cities
Autism Advocacy & Law Center, LLC
Best Care
Butler Square
Lions United Fitness Center
Lost at Home Shirts (15% of April profits donated to AuSM)
Minnesota Independence College & Community
New Ulm Area Catholic Schools
Saegerville Cedar (10% of April sales donated to AuSM)
St. David's Center for Child & Family Development


2020 SUMMER ADVENTURES
AuSM Summer Social Skills Classes and Camps
AuSM Education
Life with Autism and Understanding Autism classes
Life with Autism Series



Understanding Autism and Best Strategic Practices

Due to a generous sponsorship from Best Care , these sessions are being offered for FREE. Registration is required.
  • May 4, 2020 from 6-8 p.m.
  • June 23, 2020 from 2-4 p.m.
  • Aug. 17, 2020 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Learn with AuSM Skillshops and Certification

May 19, 2020
How to Find the Right Therapist for You
Location: Autism Society of Minnesota
Also available as Livestream


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.

Summer 2020 Session
Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
June 8-12, 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.