During these days of being grateful, the Autism Society of Minnesota counts you, our local autism community, among our blessings. Thank you for supporting the work we do and for supporting each other. Together we are strong. Together we make a difference.
AuSM will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, Nov. 22 and Friday, Nov. 23. We will open again on Monday, Nov. 26.
The holidays and the season of giving are upon us. Please consider supporting the local autism community by thinking of AuSM in your acts of generosity. Giving to AuSM can include end-of-year donations of money to support AuSM's programs and services, volunteering your time for 2019 AuSM events, fundraising for AuSM, and a new option of shopping for items on the AuSM Summer Camp Wish List on Amazon. AuSM's camp directors have created a list of items to help improve the camp experience and better serve campers during the 2019 AuSM Summer Camp season. Wish list items range from $6 and up and can be shipped directly to AuSM. Your generosity means so much to us and this amazing community we serve. Thank you!
Several local organizations will offer sensory Santa and other holiday-related experiences during this season. Experiences may include access to Santa without typical mall hour lines, lowered lighting, reduced sound, and options for things to do while waiting for one-on-one time with Santa. Click on the below links to learn more about these opportunities; some require reservations.
Southdale Center
Dec. 2 from 9-11 a.m.
Windmill Project (Alexandria, Minn.)
E-mail for more info: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Dec. 2 from 2-3:30 p.m.
Northtown Mall
Dec. 2 and 9 from 8-10 a.m.
Maplewood Mall
Dec. 2 and 9 from 9-11 a.m.
Anime Twin Cities
Cosplay and Cocoa with Santa
Dec. 8 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
On Nov. 15, Give to the Max Day 2018, supporters of the Autism Society of Minnesota and those affected by autism in Minnesota came together and helped AuSM exceed its donation goal for the state-wide day of generosity. Community members, businesses, board members, and staff members raised a record-shattering $32,576! Thank you to those who donated, including our match donors: Pentair Foundation; Andre Best, Best Home Care; Joan and Jeff Hamiel; Dorothy Waltz; and members of the AuSM Board of Directors. 100% of all Give to the Max Day donations will stay local, supporting advocacy, education, and collaboration in our communities. Thanks also to our community partners: 612 Brew, Blush Salon, Bruegger's Bagel Bakery, Cheap Skate, Community Alliance, Home Depot, Pet Smart, Pryes Brewing, Wabasha Brewing Company, and Wuollet Bakery. You, our members, partners, and donors, make this community strong. We are grateful.
If you were not able to donate yesterday and would like to contribute dollars in support of the local autism community, please click here.
Steps of Hope is taking on a new name and rallying some new excitement in 2019. Steps for Autism in Minnesota, AuSM's 19th annual family fun walk and the state’s largest autism resource fair, will take place at Southdale Center on March 3, 2019. Each participant is an autism hero, rallying for the 1 in 42 individuals living with autism in Minnesota.
Steps for Autism in Minnesota will begin with the third annual AuSM Flash Dash presented by Accra, an all ages and abilities quick walk from 9-9:15 a.m. that will be done in a flash. Families and individuals who register for the AuSM Flash Dash will receive medals at the finish line and bragging rights for completion. Steps for Autism dollars directly support local families and individuals living with autism, from birth through retirement. Donations stay in the community by funding AuSM's innovative programs and services.
Register as an individual participant or sign up your fundraising team today!
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in St. Paul will hold four single-session classes for adults with autism, ages 18+, over the next few months. Sessions will include "Arctic" on Dec. 15; "Africa" on Jan. 5; "Tropical Rain Forests" on Jan. 26; and "Adaptations" on Feb. 16. Adults with autism are invited to explore Como and learn from their education specialists. Sessions have limited space; participants are encouraged to register early. The cost is $25 per session for AuSM members and $30 per session for non-members. Register for a single session or multiple sessions. Click here for more information and to register.
AuSM is pleased to announce its newest project, AuSM’s Guide to Sensory-Friendly Minnesota. This reference tool and planning guide for families and individuals with autism and other sensory sensitivities will contain information about why sensory-friendly events and activities are important for our community, how to make an event or activity sensory-friendly, personal stories, and a calendar guide of sensory-friendly offerings throughout Minnesota. AuSM’s Guide to Sensory-Friendly Minnesota will be distributed in January 2019.
Sensory-friendly event and activity guide listings are FREE. Click here to submit your events and activities by Nov. 30, 3018. Advertising also is available, and advertisers will be highlighted with bolded guide listings and logo placement. Click here for more information about advertising or contact Kelly Thomalla at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We look forward to sharing this resource with our community!
