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 Sept. 1, 2015
AuSM Connections Sponsored by
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Note from Jonah Weinberg, AuSM Executive Director 
Somehow it's already September, and I'm sure I'm not alone in wondering how the summer passed so quickly. The past several months have been busy with our largest ever offering of summer activities; more than 500 youth and adults participated in nearly three dozen different programs.
I'm proud to reflect on all that AuSM was able to offer our wonderful community: exciting social skills classes with partners including Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, Eastman Nature Center, and the Minnesota Zoo; adventurous summer camps at Camp Butwin, Camp Knutson, and Camp True Friends; a Family Fun Day at the Works Museum; informative Skillshops; and numerous state-wide trainings on a broad range of autism-related topics.
With the kick off of the new school year, AuSM offers many new opportunities for learning and fun. AuSM's fall sessions of social skills classes at the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, ComedySportz, and the Minnesota Zoo, as well as the Fidgety Fairy Tales theater experience, are filling quickly. Social skills classes are a great opportunity to cultivate an area of interest, learn how to make friends, fit into a group, take part in conversations, ask appropriate questions, and have fun. Register today to ensure your place in your class of choice!
We're also excited about the Autism in Business 2015 forum scheduled for Oct. 22. Autism in Business, which will be geared toward business owners, HR professionals, diversity and inclusion leaders, and hiring managers, will focus on how to leverage employees with autism to meet business and hiring goals. Registration for this event will be opening soon.
Be sure to check out the great line-up of 2015-2016 AuSM Skillshops, which will take place at a variety of venues across the metro area. September's AuSM Skillshop will focus on navigating social media and October's will explore executive functioning. These two-hour sessions are an easy way to learn and gather resources. See the AuSM Skillshop listings for topics and locations.
Thank you to all of you who participate in our programs and who help support the work we do for our autism community. You make it possible for us to continue on the mission we've pursued for more than four decades, and we couldn't do it without you.
Have an AuSM day!
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AuSM'S 2015 SUMMER CAMPS - IT'S A WRAP!
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For nearly four decades, AuSM's summer camps have offered excitement and adventure to individuals with autism. The 2015 summer camp season has come to a close, but the memories made will carry on for years to come. We are pleased to share this AuSM summer camp recap. (Don't miss the clips music video at the end of the article!)
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LOCAL PERFORMERS RAISE AUTISM AWARENESS AND DOLLARS FOR AuSM
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Special thanks to Tessa and Dominic, performers with the band Chirch and the Dirty Thought, who stopped by the AuSM office last week to present AuSM with a $1250 check from the Autism Awareness evening they hosted at Famous Dave's in August. The dollars will go directly back to the Minnesota autism community through AuSM's programs and services for families and individuals touched by autism.
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CONTRIBUTE TO THE NEW AuSM BLOG
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Do you have a story to tell about your life with autism, opinions about neurodiversity, or thoughts about current events in the autism world? Please get in touch with us! All ages and abilities are welcome to submit blog stories and information. We also are glad to help in the creation of a piece as needed. Regular contributors welcome! Please e-mail ojames@ausm.org for more information.
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WATCH A HOCKEY GAME, SUPPORT AuSM
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Help raise dollars in support of the Minnesota autism community by purchasing discounted tickets to upcoming Wild games through a link on the AuSM website. The ticket prices are marked down exclusively for games on Sept. 21, 27, and Oct. 1, 2015, with a portion of each ticket going directly to support AuSM's programs and services. The promotional code for this special offer is AUSM.
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AuSM CATALOG AVAILABLE; REGISTRATION OPEN
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Since 1971, the AuSM has supported individuals with autism, families, caregivers, educators, and other professionals by offering a welcoming place to learn, access services, and develop skills for navigating emotions, information, and life.
AuSM's newest education catalog detailing these programs and services is available now. Explore the catalog to find AuSM programs and services that suit your needs and enhance your life, and get registered today.
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AuSM's FALL SOCIAL SKILLS CLASSES
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Como Zoo Skills (ages 8-18)
Elementary (ages 8-12): Creatures of the Night meets 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
What goes bump in the night at Como? Geckos, bats, hedgehogs and scorpions just to name a few! Meet the zoo's nocturnal residents and find out why they are awake at night. Also meet animals that prefer to be up at sunset and sunrise and plants that bloom after dark. Don't miss this spook-tacular fall session.
Teens (ages 13-18): Exhibit Design meets 1-3 p.m.
Join the exhibit design team at Como! Investigate the needs of different plants, animals, and visitors. Explore the ins and outs of current exhibits and learn about plans for future exhibit renovations. Interview Como's zookeepers and gardeners, and then use your knowledge to create your very own zoo exhibit.
Classes Meet on Saturdays
Sept. 26 and Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2015
ComedySportz Improv Skills (ages 14-26)
New experiences and social situations can be a challenge for individuals on the spectrum; improv provides a framework for addressing these areas. Have fun while learning how to respond to the unexpected, engage in reciprocal interactions, and support fellow participants in keeping a scene moving forward. Each skill can be applied to everyday life as you learn to open yourself to creativity and new ideas, while having fun and making friends. No prior improv experience is necessary.
Class Meets on Sundays from 2:30-4 p.m.
Sept. 27 and Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25 and Nov. 1, 2015
Fidgety Fairytales: Beauty and the Beast (ages 13-18)
Fidgety Fairy Tales - The Mental Health Musicals re-imagine familiar fairy tales and feature great music and a gentle sense of humor to raise awareness and reduce the fear and misunderstanding around mental health and autism. Participants in this production will perform Beauty and the Beast, in which the Beast has autism and has trouble communicating with Beauty. Fortunately the magical carvings in the woodwork are there to help him learn social skills. This 20-minute production will be performed publicly for family
and friends and possibly at a Twin Cities school.
Class Meets on Sundays (1:30-3:30 p.m.), Tuesdays and Thursdays (6-8 p.m.)
Nov. 1-22, 2015*
Nov. 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22
*Note: Not all participants will need to be present at every rehearsal session. The family and friends performance will take place on Sunday, Nov. 22, and a possible school performance will take place on Monday, Nov. 23.
Minnesota Zoo (ages 8-12): Ocean Expedition
Explore and learn about the vast diversity of animals found in the oceans; you, too, can become a sea life scholar! Visit aquatic exhibits at the Minnesota Zoo, venture behind the scenes, get up close with live animals, meet zoo professionals, and participate in unforgettable experiences and activities. Swimming not required, just an interest in the underwater world.
Class Meets on Sundays from 1-2:30 p.m. Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25 and Nov. 1, 8, 2015
Coming up in WINTER and SPRING (registration also open): Como Zoo Skills ComedySports Improv Skills
AuSM On the Town Science Museum of Minnesota Design an AuSM Computer Game Islands of Brilliance
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DULUTH AuSM SOCIAL SKILLS IN OCTOBER
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AuSM Aquarium Camp/Great Lakes Aquarium (ages 12-15)
Take an active role in animal care at the Great Lakes Aquarium while developing social skills useful in everyday life. Learn what it takes to keep our resident animals healthy, happy, and active. Go behind the scenes to prepare meals, clean exhibits, test water quality, and more! AuSM Social Skills classes are tailored to give youth with autism fun, safe, and exciting experiences while they increase self-esteem, expand their knowledge, and build friendships.
Class Meets on Saturdays
Oct. 3, 17, 31, 2015 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
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LIFE WITH AUTISM SERIES - AGE-SPECIFIC INFORMATION AND STRATEGIES
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AuSM's Life with Autism Series offers information and strategies to parents, family members, relatives, caregivers of individuals with autism, educators, and the community through engaging, age-focused classes led by autism experts and parent speakers. Participants also learn about available services and resources.
Intro to Autism
Develop an understanding of the basics of autism, resource options, and positive behavior supports. Learn how families, schools, and the medical community can work together to educate and support those with ASD. Get practical tips on helping individuals with ASD meet their potential.
FALL One Session Class (also offered in WINTER and SPRING) Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Newly Diagnosed (offered in WINTER)
Obtain information on topics including the definition of autism, parent feelings, neurological findings, therapies, communication strategies, teaching daily living skills, challenging behavior, sensory needs, visual supports, and using social stories.
Adolescence and Transition (offered in SPRING)
Obtain information on topics including parent emotions, the impact of autism on adolescents, independence in daily living skills, public social skills, reciprocal relationships, sexuality, privacy and safety, transitions into adult living and workplace issues, self-determination skills, behavior management, and emotions.
Adults (offered in SPRING)
Obtain information on topics such as impact of autism on adults, independence in daily living skills, social skills across settings including the workplace, reciprocal relationships, sexuality, privacy and safety, transitions into adult living, workplace issues, selfdetermination
skills, behavior management, and emotions.
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AUTISM DIRECT SUPPORT CERTIFICATION
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 AuSM's Autism Direct Support Certification Program is designed for professionals who work with individuals with autism or who want to better provide service to those with autism spectrum disorder. This in-depth, five-session course will give practical solutions for working with people on the spectrum. Sessions are limited to 15 participants.
Fall 2015 Session
Fridays (typical schedule, mornings)
Oct. 16, 23, 30 and Nov. 6, 13, 2015
8:30-11:30 a.m.
Winter 2016 Session Saturdays (combined, longer sessions) Jan. 23, 30, 2016 from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Feb. 6, 2016 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Spring 2016 Session Mondays (typical schedule, evenings) March 21, 28, and April 4, 11, and 18, 2016 6-9 p.m.
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AuSM PARTNERS WITH CHILDREN'S THEATRE COMPANY FOR FAMILY LEARNING OPPORTUNITY
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Early Childhood and Autism: Expression Through Movement and Music 
Join Children's Theatre Company and AuSM for a interactive family workshops modeling art-based strategies to engage your whole family. Specially designed for parents and/or caregivers with a child or children ages 3-5 with autism spectrum disorder and their siblings, workshops will explore theater activities that facilitate self-expression, creativity and imagination-play. Participating families will receive one child ticket for an upcoming CTC performance!
Creative Movement - Sept. 20 from 2-4 p.m.
Explore all the ways we use our bodies to tell stories - wiggling, jumping, spinning, crawling and more! Focus on coordination, body awareness and motor skills while building on cooperation and communication.
Music and Sound - Nov. 8 from 2-4 p.m.
Move to the rhythm and make your own beats as we explore ways to tell stories and express emotion through music. Create sounds using technology, instruments and your own voice!
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UPCOMING AuSM SKILLSHOPS (MONTHLY, TWO-HOUR MINI WORKSHOPS)
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 Getting Into the Social Mix AuSM Skillshop held at Merrick, Inc. Tuesday, Sept. 8 from 7-9 p.m. Kim Busse and Amy Reid
Explore the many positive and negative aspects of social media and how it affects social communication and relationships.
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 Executive Function: Honing Your Skills AuSM Skillshop held at Lionsgate Academy Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 7-9 p.m. Mary Beth Kelley
Executive functions consist of a variety of "higher-order" mental processes and behaviors that help the brain organize and act on information. These skills enable a person to plan, organize, remember things, prioritize, pay attention, and get started on tasks. Learn strategies and interventions for the different executive functioning areas. The session will focus on students in grades K-12.
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Olmstead Plan Revised
A revised version of the Olmstead Plan was filed with the court on Aug. 10. This version reflects a complete reframing of the plan and is focused more on outcomes for people with disabilities and less on government operations and processes.
The revised plan will now be reviewed and ruled on by the Court. Click here for a full version of the revised Olmstead Plan. Your comments for the Olmstead Subcabinet and Implementation Office are welcome throughout the year via e-mail (MNOlmsteadPlan@state.mn.us); mail (Olmstead Implementation Office, 400 Sibley Street, Suite 300, St Paul, MN 55101); or phone (651.296.8081).
AuSM thanks the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities for this update on the Olmstead Plan.
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THERAPISTS WHO SPECIALIZE IN SERVING INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM
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Mental Health Services 
With more than 80 years of combined experience with individuals with autism, AuSM's team of highly trained and licensed therapists wants you to feel comfortable and knowledgeable as we undertake this journey together, striving for positive, individual-focused goals.
AuSM's Mental Health Services include:
- Diagnostic assessments for adults
- Functional or behavioral assessments for all ages
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Behavior consultation
- Marriage and couples therapy
- Training for organizations and service providers
Click here for more information.
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FREE WAYS TO PARTICIPATE WITH AuSM
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Make Your Dollars Count
Autism Society of Minnesota supporters sustain the work that has helped so many in our community. 100% of donations stay in the Minnesota autism community, and every dollar counts. We appreciate your generosity, and we look forward to continuing to be your go-to resource for autism programs and services.
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