Donor provides $20,000 match in honor of 20th Anniversary of Steps for Autism
To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Steps for Autism in Minnesota this year, a generous anonymous donor has stepped forward to provide a $20,000 match for all donations collected in honor of this fundraising event. Funds raised by teams and individuals will be doubled!
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 kick off Steps for Autism 2020. All ages and abilities are welcome to register and participate. In addition to the AuSM Flash Dash, the 20th Anniversary of this event will feature "Steps of Possibilities" sponsored by Best Care, a poster gallery that will highlight success stories from adults with autism.
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.
Teams and individuals fundraising $250 by Jan. 31 will be entered into a drawing for a free one night stay at the Residence Inn by Marriott Minneapolis Edina.
Registration is required. Click here to register for Steps for Autism 2020 and the AuSM Flash Dash.
In alignment with our mission to enhance the lives of individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), we want to address ongoing member requests for programming tailored to issues of sexuality and healthy relationships. AuSM is partnering with Lutheran Social Service and Mad Hatter Wellness to adapt the acclaimed Sexuality for All Abilities curriculum, a comprehensive sexual health and sexuality education program, to meet the needs of our AuSM community.
Steps for Autism in Minnesota, formerly Steps of Hope, began as an event where individuals and families could gather resources and connect with each other in order to build a stronger community. In honor of the 20th anniversary of this important event, AuSM wants to continue to inspire and celebrate our community by highlighting positive stories from autistic adults. Stories may highlight experiences at home, school, work, in the community, or personal triumphs that have made an impact in your life.
Due to a generous sponsorship from Best Care, AuSM's Understanding Autism and Best Strategic Practices class will be offered FREE in 2020! 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. Register today for the Jan. 20, March 14, May 4, June 23, or Aug. 17 session. *Note, this is a single-session class. Content is the same for all sessions. AuSM offers these sessions at different times to accommodate as many schedules as possible. When registering, select the session that works best for you. 
Mill City Museum will offer a sensory-friendly event from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 26 for individuals and families with autism and other sensory sensitivities. Discover the lively Mississippi riverfront and experience the past and present of this National Historic Landmark. Built within the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill, Mill City Museum is packed with fun for all ages. Play in the water lab; find a sample in the baking lab while you learn about wheat; ride the flour tower; and see the “Minneapolis in 19 Minutes Flat” movie to learn the city’s history. This event is free, but registration is required. 
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. 
AuSM’s Life with Autism Series offers information and strategies to parents, caregivers, family members, relatives, educators, and the community through engaging, age-focused classes led by autism experts and parent speakers. Participants also learn about available services and resources and contribute to the direction of topics covered.
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 kicksledding and, if conditions are good, go for a snowshoe hike.