Feb. 15, 2020 News for the Minnesota autism community.
AuSM Featured Articles
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 4th annual AuSM Flash Dash powered by Accra. Steps for Autism will be held at Southdale Center from 8:30-11 a.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2020.

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.

NEW ANNOUNCEMENT: Due to a generous autism community supporter, individual and team donations collected for Steps for Autism will be matched up to $20,000! Double dollars=double support!

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. Registration is required. Click here to register for Steps for Autism 2020 and the AuSM Flash Dash.

Register for the AuSM Flash Dash by Feb. 21, and you'll be entered into a drawing for a Family Adventure Prize Pack!
AuSM Annual Meeting Feb. 26
AuSM's Annual Meeting will take place at AuSM from 6:30-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26. The Annual Meeting is open to all community members.

The Annual Meeting agenda will be as follows, including elections for Board of Directors officer positions:

6:30 p.m.  
  • Check-in/Meet and Greet

7 p.m.  
  • Welcome and Introductions
  • Secretary’s Report, Jenna Matteson-Laabs, Secretary, Board of Directors
  • State of AuSM Report, Ellie Wilson, Executive Director
  • President’s Report, Paul D’Arco, President, Board of Directors
  • Treasurer’s Report, Kyle Bloch, Treasurer, Board of Directors
  • Election of Officers - Nominees:
  • John Skillings, Treasurer (2-year term)
  • Jenna Matteson-Laabs, Secretary (2-year term)
  • Keith Guggenberger, Vice President (1-year term following resignation of former VP)
  • New Business
  • Questions and Open Discussion
  • Announcements

8 p.m.
  • Adjourn
2020 SUMMER ADVENTURES
AuSM Summer Social Skills Classes and Camps
AuSM will offer a wide variety of social skills classes and camps this summer in low-stress, accepting environments that promote learning and growth while celebrating neurodiversity. Classes are tailored for youth and adults with autism and will take place in venues with community partners. Click on the below links for more information. Registration for summer programming opens on Jan. 27 at 8 a.m.


AuSM camps are available for individuals ages 6 and up who are AuSM members. Camp offerings include a day camp where campers arrive each morning and leave each afternoon, and two residential camps where campers stay several days and nights. Camp activities are subject to change. Due to the high demand for residential camps, campers may attend only one week of residential camp. Campers may attend one or both sessions of Wahode Day Camp. Click on the below links to learn more about each camp.

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.
  • March 14, 2020 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. (THIS SESSION IS FULL)
  • 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

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

March 10, 2020
Supplemental Needs Trust Planning
Location: Minnesota Independence College & Community, Richfield


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.

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

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.
Uniting the Community Events

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

Feb. 15: Sensory-Friendly Saturdays, Wescott Library 
Feb. 15: Snow Tubing at Powder Ridge Winter Recreation Center, Autism Allies  
Feb. 15: Sensory Friendly Saturday, Bell Museum
Feb. 16: Sensory Friendly Sundays, Science Museum of Minnesota
Feb. 16: FluteSpiration Quartet, Benefit Concert for AuSM
Feb. 16: Hip Hop 4 Autism, Benefit Concert for AuSM
Feb. 22: Sensory Friendly Play Group, Ramsey County Library–Shoreview
Feb. 22 from 9-10 a.m.
Feb. 23: Tropical Beach Party–Early Access, Minnesota Zoo
Feb. 23: Sensory Friendly Sundays French Regional Park, Three Rivers Park District
Feb. 25: The Dot Sensory-Friendly Performance, Stages Theatre Company
Feb. 27: Snacks & Cinema: Spiderman Into the Spider Verse, Reach for Resources
Feb. 28: Bob Marley's Three Little Birds Sensory-Friendly Performance, Children's Theatre Company
Feb. 29: Sensory-Friendly Saturdays, Wentworth Library