July 15, 2016       Connecting you with the Minnesota autism community.

A Note from Jonah Weinberg, Executive Director
When I think about summer, I think about fun. Summer is a great time for exploration, friends, and having a good time. As an adult, I know that summer isn't all fun and games, especially if changes and unstructured time are challenging. If you're worried about finding support and services, summer doesn't feel like the reprieve it once was. But everyone deserves a break and the opportunity to have fun.

AuSM wants to help you to have fun this summer. 

So often services are focused on serious things. Of course, education, accommodations, and accessibility are important, but this summer, let's take a moment to remember that joy and fun are important parts of life, too. AuSM provides a wide range of activities for families, kids, and adults to have fun.

AuSM has partnered with the Minnesota Lynx to offer reduced rate tickets and help raise autism awareness at their game versus the Atlanta Dream on July 20. We're also partnering with the Hennepin Theater Trust to bring the first touring Broadway sensory-friendly show to Minnesota on July 30, Disney's The Lion King, which will be performed at the Orpheum Theater at 2 p.m. Special rate tickets are available through their website. In August, we and Z Puppets Rosenschnoz are offering a FREE sensory-friendly performance of Monkey Mind Piratesthe world's only puppet, rock, yoga adventure. Fun for the whole family!

And throughout the summer, we're running AuSM summer camps and social skills classes to provide fun and exploration for youth and adults on the spectrum. These are opportunities for individuals with autism to make connections and friends, while finding relief from some of daily anxieties.

Let us help you remember that fun is an important part of life. Let's have some AuSM fun together!

AuSM Executive Director
Sensory-friendly The Lion King Broadway show at Orpheum July 30
Hennepin Theatre Trust is offering a sensory-friendly performance of Disney's The Lion King on Saturday, July 30 at 2 p.m. at the Orpheum Theater in Minneapolis. This show will be specifically designed for individuals with sensory, social, and learning disabilities and their families and is the first sensory-friendly performance of a touring Broadway show in Minnesota. Be sure to stop by AuSM's resource table during this exciting event! A social narrative is available on the Hennepin Theatre Trust website. Tickets are specially priced for this performance and start at $30. Click here for more information and to order tickets. 
2017 State Autism Conference Keynotes
The 22nd Annual Minnesota Autism Conference will take place April 26-29, 2017.  AuSM's events team has secured exciting keynote presenters for this educational event of the year for the Minnesota autism community. Keynote speakers in 2017 will include autism community icon, Temple Grandin, PhD (photo courtesy Rosalie Winard); Steve Silberman,
 best-selling author of Neurotribes (photo courtesy Keith Karraker);  and Kerry Magro, award-winning disability advocate. 

More details and speakers will be  announced soon and registration for the 22nd Annual Minnesota Autism Conference will open in February 2017. Click here for more information.
Conference Call for Papers open now through Nov. 14, 2016
The Call for Papers for the 22nd Annual Minnesota Autism Conference is open now through Nov. 14, 2016. AuSM is opening the Call for Papers process earlier than usual to allow more time for submissions. The deadline also has been moved up to November instead of January so the conference schedule can be made available in early 2017. Submit your proposal to present during this largest annual educational event for the Minnesota autism community. The Minnesota Autism Conference Education Committee will evaluate proposals and contact those who submit proposals by Dec. 20, 2016. Click here to download, complete, and submit the Call for Papers 2017 proposal form.
AuSM Day with the Lynx July 20
The Minnesota Lynx and AuSM invite you to join us on Wednesday, July 20 at 12 p.m. as the Lynx host the Atlanta Dream. Visit the Target Center for an action packed afternoon with Lynx mascot, Prowl. Earplugs will be available at the Guest Services station in section 138 and a quiet room will be available for sensory breaks. A portion of each ticket sold through this offer will benefit AuSM. Click here for more information and to order your tickets today.
AuSM Golf Classic 2016 is nearly sold out!
Reserve your space now to hit the links on Aug. 1 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 Monday, Aug. 1 at the pristine Troy Burne Golf Club in Hudson, Wis. Four foursomes remain - reserve one for yourself and your friends! Click here for more information, sponsorship opportunities, and to register.
Register today to learn from Professor Tony Attwood
AuSM is pleased to present Professor Tony Attwood for a full-day fall workshop event on Oct. 19: "An Aspie's Guide to Life's Challenges: Unlocking Tools for Resilience in a Complex World". Join AuSM for this rare opportunity to learn from world-renowned speaker and autism expert, Tony Attwood, who will share his insights and strategies for navigating emotions, adolescence, relationships, and employment. The fall workshop will take place at the Schulze Grand Atrium at the University of St. Thomas School of Law Minneapolis Campus. Register today to be a part of this unique event for parents, caregivers, educators, psychologists, therapists, direct support professionals, and individuals with autism. Click here for more information and to register.
Summer Social Skills - Classes Filling Quickly
Now that summer is 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.

JULY

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

July 19-22, 2016

July 25-29, 2016

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

Monkey Mind Pirates sensory-friendly show
Monkey Mind Pirates, the world's only puppet, rock, yoga adventure, will sail to Maplewood Community Center on Aug. 27 at 11 a.m. This performance is recommended for ages 2 and up and guest stars families from the Z Puppets/AuSM family summer workshops. Turn your family's "arrghs" into "Oms" with the award-winning, original songs and Monkey Mind Pirates puppets. To make this show accessible for all, advance tickets are FREE. Click here for more information and to order your tickets.
AuSM Skillshops
Food Fight! Nutritional Strategies for Children with ASD and Their Families
August 30, 2016
Location: West Metro Learning Connections
Presenter: Anne Kelly, MD, MPH

Research has proven that children with ASD have numerous nutrient deficiencies and gastrointestinal disorders that contribute to poor health and behavioral symptoms. Sensory issues, food refusal, and peculiar cravings affect many children wtih ASD, making it difficult to introduce healthier foods. Receive information on the use of whole food powders to make nutrient-rich shakes that are affordable, dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free, and discuss strategies that will simplify the nutrition routine for the whole family.

September 20: Autism and Anxiety in Adults held at Merrick, Inc.
2016-2017 Complete AuSM Skillshops Schedule Announced Soon!
UMN Joins Launch of Nation's Largest Autism Research Study
The University of Minnesota has launched an online research initiative called SPARK. Participating institutions will collect information and DNA for genetic analysis from 50,000 individuals with autism - and their families - to advance the understanding of autism and discover treatments.

"While autism is common in the United States, many of the details are still unclear. There's a lot we don't know," said Suma Jacob, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics and study leader. "The SPARK initiative, which is the biggest study of its kind, will help us better understand causes and inform how we go about improving the lives of people who are living with autism."

Click here to learn more about SPARK or to participate. Questions? E-mail [email protected] or call 612.624.0116.
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 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 [email protected].

Kickstands up for AuSM this summer
Join AuSM and these fun motorcycle ride organizers at events planned in support of the Minnesota autism community.

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Information and Resources
Autism Community Events and Fundraisers
Autism Society of Minnesota | 651.647.1083 | [email protected] |  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

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