June 1, 2016       Connecting you with the Minnesota autism community.
A Note from Jonah Weinberg, Executive Director
No one is completely self-sufficient. We all rely on others to help us do things we can't do on our own. Parents may turn to grandparents for childcare; spouses rely on each other to run errands; a senior citizen may turn to an adult child to help with home maintenance issues. Our needs connect us to each other and to our community.

In our autism community one of the more common needs is for programs and services that enhance the lives of our friends and loved ones on the spectrum. AuSM fulfills these needs through social skills classes, support groups, Counseling and Consulting Services, the AuSM Resource Directory, community events, and much more. AuSM's programs and services have been developed with input from our community and are designed to help meet the needs of thousands of people affected by autism across our state. 

AuSM also relies on its community for the funding necessary to provide these services. Many people are surprised to learn that AuSM doesn't receive state funding. Funding is a need that you can help us meet. Making a gift to AuSM is your opportunity to take action on a cause you genuinely care about. Every dollar you share with AuSM stays local to serve Minnesota families and individuals affected by autism, and helps improve the lives of those you love with autism.

Please consider making a gift of $25 or more to support AuSM's programs and services, from camps for youth and adults with autism, AuSM Skillshops, the annual state autism conference, and so much more. Your donations help fulfill the needs of our awesome community! Please donate to AuSM today. 

AuSM Executive Director
Speaking of donating, another way to give is to participate in a giving competition in support of AuSM!

Give Twin Cities Challenge 
AuSM is pleased to be a part of the first annual Give Twin Cities Challenge, a fundraising competition organized by Minnesota Monthly magazine from May 17-June 30, 2016. AuSM encourages the Minnesota autism community to rally, donate, and ask others to give in support of local families and individuals affected by autism. Donations made through AuSM's Give Twin Cities Crowdrise page (including individual donors and teams) will be totaled at the end of the challenge, and nonprofits raising the most dollars during the challenge period will be awarded prizes: 1st Place: $25,000; 2nd Place: $15,000; 3rd Place: $10,000
Your entry-level job can take you to the next step in your career
Entry-level jobs aren't always as thrilling as you'd wish they would be. However, these starter positions often are stepping stones to more rewarding and fulfilling careers. Click here to read a blog article about making the most of your entry-level job (and how to move up the employment ladder).
AuSM at the Flint Hills Festival
Today-June 3 at the Ordway in St. Paul
The Ordway presents this exciting event for families and school children that will include performances, activities, and more. Visit AuSM in the outside tent area today through June 3 and make an AuSM Inclusivity Square. Put your creativity to the test as you construct an interactive square that will teach you tips and tricks for being a good friend. Celebrate what makes all of us unique and make everyone feel accepted, respected, and included. Click here for more information about the festival.
AuSM Golf Classic 2016
Reserve your space now to hit the links in support of AuSM's mission of enhancing the lives of individuals touched by autism in Minnesota. The 21st Annual AuSM Golf Classic will take place on Aug. 1 at the pristine Troy Burne Golf Club in Hudson, Wis. Join us for a great day of golf in support of our local autism community! Registration includes 18 holes of golf, complimentary cart, lunch, awards banquet, and opportunities to win great prizes. Save up to $100 if you register by June 30! Click here for more information, sponsorship opportunities, and to register.
Register today to learn from Professor Tony Attwood on Oct. 19!
ClicktoRegister
AuSM Summer Camps
AuSM day and residential summer camps are filling quickly! Click here for information about scholarships and waivers. Registration for Discovery and Hand in Hand is closed, however a few openings remain in Wahode day camp. Click on the link for more information.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio: 1:2; Day camp
Session 1 (July 11-15) 
Session 2 (July 25-29)
Work at AuSM Summer Camps
Want to help with a summer activity that will be personally rewarding and support the Minnesota autism community? Consider working at an AuSM Camp for a week or more. Counselors are needed for Camps Wahode and Hand in Hand and Camp Discovery needs cabin support staff (cabin support staff must have previous experience working with youth with autism). 

Registered nurses also are needed for the Camp Hand in Hand weeks. For more information, contact Terri Borowick, AuSM Director of Camp Programs at camp@ausm.org, or click here.
Summer Social Skills - Classes Filling Quickly
Now that summer is nearly here, AuSM summer social skills classes are filling quickly! Register today for the AuSM Social Skills classes of your choice to ensure your spot in those classes. Click here for information about scholarships and waivers.


Session 1: Females only, June 22, 29 and July 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2016

Predator & Prey: June 20-24, 2016


July 11-15

Crazy Creatures: July 18-22, 2016
 
July 25-29, 2016

July 19-22, 2016

July 25-29

AUGUST

Sessions 3 and 4: August 1-5, 2016

Zoo Crew and Design: August 8-12, 2016

Lowry Nature Center: July 19-22, 2016
Eastman Nature Center: August 16-19, 2016
AuSM Skillshops
Tips on Helping Your Child with ASD Learn to Ride a Bike (two openings remain)
June 7, 2016
Location: AuSM
Presenter: Alex Uhler

Challenges with body awareness, balance and motor control, and eye-hand coordination can make riding a bike difficult for children on the spectrum. Learn a number of tips for successful bike riding including purchasing the correct equipment, making bike adjustments, breaking down riding into smaller steps, clothing protection, practice makes perfect pedaling, staying positive and patient, and working toward the sense of independence and accomplishment that your child will experience when learning to ride his or her own bike.

August 30: Food Fight! Nutritional Strategies for Children with ASD and Their Families
September 20: Autism and Anxiety in Adults
Therapy and Support
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 Counseling and Consulting Services include: diagnostic assessments for adults, functional or behavioral assessments for all ages, individual therapy, family therapy, behavior consultation, marriage and couples therapy, and training and consulting for organizations and service providers.


AuSM sends out a monthly "Ask the Therapist" e-mail where AuSM's therapists answer questions submitted by the Minnesota autism community. Click here to read the "Ask the Therapist" archive. To submit a question, e-mail info@ausm.org.
Kickstands up for AuSM this spring/summer
young-family-portrait.jpg
Information and Resources
Autism Community Events and Fundraisers
Autism Society of Minnesota | 651.647.1083 | info@ausm.org |  www.ausm.org

Established in 1971, the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to education, advocacy and support designed to enhance the lives of those affected by autism from birth through retirement. AuSM does not sell or share the contact information of our members, volunteers, donors or supporters.

Autism Society of Minnesota, 2380 Wycliff St. #102, St. Paul, MN 55114
STAY CONNECTED: