Professor Tony Attwood's full-day fall workshop event on Oct. 19: "An Aspie's Guide to Life's Challenges: Unlocking Tools for Resilience in a Complex World" is SOLD OUT.
If you weren't able to secure tickets for this event but are interested in AuSM's other educational opportunities, please consider attending the 22nd Annual Minnesota Autism Conference, or participate in AuSM Skillshops and workshops in the coming months.
AuSM is pleased to announce Chris Ulmer, special education teacher, motivational speaker, and founder of Special Books by Special Kids, will be the Friday, April 28, 2017 keynote presenter at the 22nd Annual Minnesota Autism Conference. Ulmer completes the event's expert-packed keynote line-up that includes autism community icon Temple Grandin, PhD; Steve Silberman, author of Neurotribes; and Kerry Magro, award-winning disability advocate. Click here for more information and to view conference pricing. Registration will open in early 2017.
Call for Papers
Want to be included as a speaker at this important conference? AuSM is accepting presentation proposals through Nov. 14. Click here for more information.
AuSM members Angie Gamades and Kyle Gallus create employment opportunities for adults with autism and other learning differences.
A new business in Chaska, Minn. hopes to send the unemployment rate for people with disabilities straight to the dogs.
With a model that includes baking, bagging, and distributing all natural dog treats online and at events, Finley’s Barkery helps young adults with autism and other disabilities find employment, grow socially, and use their talents to contribute.
Finley’s Barkery co-founders Angie Gamades and Kyle Gallus created this business model because they believe in investing in human potential. “We want to make the community aware of the incredible capabilities of our employees,” Gamades said.
Don't miss your chance to add your name to the list of presenters, including Temple Grandin, Steve Silberman, Kerry Magro, and Chris Ulmer, who will be speaking at the 22nd Annual Minnesota Autism Conference. The conference's Call for Papers is open now through Nov. 14, 2016. Educators, parents, caregivers, siblings, therapists, direct support staff, and other professionals, submit your proposal today to present during the largest annual educational event for the Minnesota autism community on April 26-29, 2017. Click here to download, complete, and submit the Call for Papers 2017 proposal form.
If you have questions about a presentation topic you'd like to propose, please contact AuSM's event staff at 651.647.1083 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
AuSM Skillshops are mini-workshops designed for individuals with autism and their parents, family members, caregivers, support staff, therapists, educators, and anyone who supports individuals affected by autism. Join us this October for two unique educational experiences:
October 16, 2016 from 2-4 p.m.
Special Needs & Special Sibs: A Family AuSM Skillshop
Presenter: Jennifer Reinke, PhD, LAMFT, CFLE
Location: Eden Prairie Community Center, Cambria Room
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. Click here for more information and to register.
October 25, 2016 from 7-9 p.m.
Accommodations & Modifications: Navigating the IEP or 504 Plan
Presenter: Mary Beth Kelley, MA
Location: Fraser, Eden Prairie
Staff often have to create accommodations or modifications for students they are working with at school, or parents want to suggest accommodations for their child, but the terms can be confusing. Review definitions and differences of frequently used terms and gather examples of specific accommodations and modifications. Obtain a framework to help brainstorm new ways to assist students in the classroom. Click here for more information and to register.
Join AuSM for some fun during TPT's Second Saturdays event on Oct. 8 from 9-10 a.m. at Twin Cities PBS in downtown St. Paul. Meet Arthur; enjoy some coffee, juice, and snacks; play in the park; and watch PBS Kids on the big screen. The cost for this sensory-friendly event is free, but registration is required. Click here for more information.
Sexual education is more complicated than the birds and the bees. In AuSM’s Beyond Sex Ed course, students with autism ages 13-18 will learn how to manage privacy, boundaries, and infatuations to help them live healthy, create positive relationships, and be safe. Topics will include puberty, private versus public, unwanted affection, intimacy and dating, body boundaries, and consent.
AuSM will hold a parent/caregiver orientation for the Beyond Sex Ed course on Monday, Oct. 17 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at AuSM's office in St. Paul. AuSM's education team strongly encourages parents/caregivers to attend this orientation to learn more about the class and to determine if it is the right fit for their child. Registration for the class will open after the orientation session. Click here to register for the Oct. 17 orientation session. Click here to learn more about the Beyond Sex Ed class.
On Oct. 15 from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., AuSM and the Minnesota Streetcar Museum invite you to experience the thrill of riding a trolley, spend some time with Minnesota autism community friends, and pick a perfect pumpkin during the AuSM Pumpkin Patch Trolley event for individuals and families affected by autism. The cost is $5 per family and space is limited. Click here to view the AuSM's trolley ride social narrative. Click here to register today.
AuSM and the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota (EFMN) are partnering to offer a free workshop and resources for parents and caregivers of children with special needs. "Navigating Mental Health, School, and Social Safety" will be presented on Nov. 12 from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Wilder Center in St. Paul. EFMN's presenters, Michael Zaccariello, PhD, LP and Katherine Nickels, MD, will speak about "Maximizing the Learning Potential". Participants will learn about specific learning disorders and how epilepsy and medications affect learning. AuSM presenter, Sara Pahl, MS, BCBA, NCC, will present "Social Safety: Strategies for Navigating Online and Offline", which will include a discussion about navigating the hidden curriculum, bullying, and online safety. The free half-day workshop includes lunch. Registration is required and space is limited. Click here for more information. Click here to register.
