Aug. 15, 2019 News for the Minnesota autism community.
AuSM Featured Articles
AuSM Pumpkin Trolley rolls into the station on Oct. 12: space is limited
AuSM invites you to experience the thrill of riding a trolley, spend some time with Minnesota autism community friends, and pick a perfect pumpkin during this fun event for individuals and families affected by autism. During the event held Oct. 12, 2019 from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Minnesota Streetcar Museum, participants will ride the rails and stop at a pumpkin patch where they can choose their favorite pumpkin to take home.

The first trolley charter will leave the station at 10:30 a.m. and the final charter will roll back to the station at 12 p.m. The cost is $15 per AuSM member family, $20 per non-member family, and $5 per individual with ASD. Space is limited, so please register early. The AuSM Pumpkin Trolley is generously sponsored by FIND Network and St. David's Center for Child & Family Development; visit their resource tables during the event!

Minnesota History Center features Sensory-Friendly Night on Sept. 17
The Minnesota History Center is presenting a FREE sensory-friendly night on Sept. 17 from 6-8 p.m., held while the museum is open to the general public. Through inspiring exhibits, thought-provoking programs, and action-packed discovery, the History Center feeds your curiosity about Minnesota’s stories, people, and places. Open now, "First Ave: Stories of Minnesota's Mainroom," is an immersive exhibit that provides you with the sights and sounds of this legendary club. Practice packing a tour bus or snap a picture with your own star in the gallery as you discover what it feels like to be a musician.

Note that public attendance typically is light on September evenings. On Sept. 17, staff will be available to direct visitors to hands-on activities and provide directions to quiet spaces. Noise cancelling headphones will be available on request from the front desk.


AuSM's Guide to Sensory-Friendly Minnesota: Second Edition
On the heels of the successful first publication of AuSM’s Guide to Sensory-Friendly Minnesota, AuSM has started work on the second, 2020 edition. The guide, created to be a reference tool for families and individuals with autism and other sensory sensitivities, will include articles about the importance of community inclusion and how sensory-friendly accommodations lead to welcoming environments. It also will contain a calendar guide of sensory-friendly community events and activities offered throughout Minnesota in the coming year.

AuSM currently is accepting event and activity listings for the second edition. If you know of a business or organization that offers sensory-friendly events or activities, please encourage them to complete the 2020 listing form. Click here to access the online listing form. Listing submissions for the 2020 guide are due Nov. 25, 2019. A paper form can be accessed here. Advertising space, which includes enhanced listings, also is available.

The second edition of AuSM's Guide to Sensory-Friendly Minnesota will be available in January 2020.
AuSM Self-Advocacy Summit adds streaming option for participants
The 2nd Annual AuSM Self-Advocacy Summit, held Sept. 21 at Union Depot in St. Paul, is a place for autistics to come together and learn while building community, leadership, and advocacy skills. The day will begin with a keynote presentation and will feature breakout sessions on self care, pride, parenting, masking, executive function, and more. After a day of learning, you'll have the opportunity to socialize through special interests with other participants.

NEW this year!
For those who aren't able to attend in person, AuSM is pleased to offer an online streaming option of this year's keynote presentation. For a $10 registration fee, you will have access to a livestream of the keynote presentation and be given a link to a recording after the event.

Keynote Presentation
Unintentional Advocacy: Building Community Through Self-Acceptance
by Olivia James
Sept. 21 from 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Register today for St. David's Center Floortime Conference Oct. 25-26
AuSM is pleased to be a sponsor of the inaugural Greenspan Floortime Conference, an intensive workshop offered by AuSM Premier Partner, St. David’s Center, host of the Minnesota Regional Greenspan Floortime Training Center, and led by Jake Greenspan.

Summer Symposium draws learners for two days of learning
Organized by the University of St. Thomas, Metro ECSU, the Minnesota Department of Education, and AuSM, Summer Symposium: Evidence-Based Practices for Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder, engaged more than 50 educators and professionals on Aug. 8-9 at the University of St. Thomas Minneapolis campus. Sessions included a content lecture examining developmental differences, linking challenges to educational needs and goals, and highlighting evidence-based practices that promote skill-building. Participants also were able to break into small groups for hands-on learning and knowledge share. Thank you to all who helped organize and participated in this important event.
AuSM Education
AuSM Game Night Crew in Cloquet, Minn.
The Autism Society of Minnesota invites youth ages 12-16 to spend your Wednesday nights this fall with peers in an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere where you can play board games, make friends, and have fun. Bring your favorite board or card game to play or come and learn a new game! Pizza and pop are included.

Dates/Time
Sept. 11-Oct. 16, 2019
from 6-7:30 p.m.

Location
Southgate Family Pizzeria
Cloquet, Minn.

Space is limited. To register for the AuSM Game Night Crew, e-mail Jill Pring at jill.pring@gmail.com or call 218.393.1538.
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.

Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Learn with AuSM Skillshops and Certification

What AuSM Skillshops would you like to see in the 2019-2020 season? Submit ideas for topics and speakers to education@ausm.org.

2019-2020 AuSM Skillshops
will be announced soon!

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.

Fall 2019 Session
Fridays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 13, 20, 27; Oct. 4, 11, 18, 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
The Twin Cities Autism Foundation funds scholarships for our community to participate in AuSM's programs and services. Please consider registering for and participating in the TCAF 5K on Sept. 28. Click on the below banner for more information and to register today.
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.

Aug. 16: Third-Friday Dances St. Louis Park Recreation Center Reach For Resources 
Aug. 18: Sensory-Friendly Sunday Science Museum of Minnesota 
Aug. 18: Sensory-Friendly Day Duluth Children’s Museum
Aug. 18: Autism Friendly Hour Battlecreek Waterworks Water Park
Aug. 20: Sensory Jump Night Pump It Up Eden Prairie 
Aug. 21: AuSM Monthly Birthday Celebration and Game Night
Aug. 25: Autism Friendly Early Entry Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
Aug. 25: Autism Friendly Hour Battlecreek Waterworks Water Park 
Through Aug. 25: Leo Lionni’s Inch by Inch, Theatre for the Very Young Stages Theatre Company 
Aug. 25: Sensory-Friendly Sundays Three Rivers Parks District: Lowry Nature Center
Aug. 25: Sensory-Friendly Sundays Three Rivers Parks District: French Visitor Center
Aug. 28: Autism Friendly Early Entry Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
Sept. 1: Sensory-Friendly Jump Urban Air Adventure Park
Sept. 3: Sensory-Friendly Tuesdays Cheap Skate 
Sept. 6: Parents’ Night Out Trinity Church/Special Journeys 
Sept. 8: Autism Friendly Early Entry Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
Sept. 9: Sensory Jump Night Pump It Up Plymouth 
Sept. 10: Autism Family Friendly Mini Golf at Huikko's Autism Allies of Wright County
Sept. 11: Autism Friendly Early Entry Como Park Zoo & Conservatory