MN Statewide ASD Newsletter

Welcome to the Winter 2025 edition of the MN Statewide ASD Newsletter! I hope you are finding ways to stay warm- Many of us are counting the days until warmer weather :) This edition includes many exciting upcoming events and opportunities! The Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) has their annual conference coming up in April and also has an exciting virtual workshop in March to learn about the updates to the Zones of Regulation. It will be exciting to hear the updates from Leah Kuypers herself!

During the April AuSM Conference, I will be presenting with a group of fellows from the University of Minnesota LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities). We are currently working on a project where we are interviewing autistic individuals ages 16-26 to learn about their K-12 educational experiences. We plan to take their insights and develop resources to help teachers. Please join us to hear what we learned! Also, if you know any autistic individuals who would be interested in being interviewed, please share the link in the Quarterly Featured Highlight section of this newsletter with them. We would love more participants and they will earn a $20 Amazon gift card.

We will also be hosting The NEST at Charting the Cs in April. It will be a great cross-categorical event and will have make-and-takes, prize drawings, and tons of resources for educators. Scroll down to the NEST section to see pictures from last year's NEST. This year, stop by and say hi if you are attending Charting the Cs. We hope to see you!!

Finally, don't forget to check out the new weekly Tuesday Tips and Tricks series just getting underway: Balanced Behavior Supports. You can sign up to receive this practical, easy to understand resource with ready-to-use tools here or by visiting the Tuesday Tips and Tricks section below.

Please remember to share this newsletter with your colleagues - we want to get this important information and resources out to all who need it here in Minnesota. As always, please feel free to reach out to me at tami.childs@brightworksmn.org with any questions you may have!

Tami

• Quarterly Featured Highlight
• MN ASD Upcoming Events
• ASD Educator Opportunities
• MDE Updates
• Communication Corner
• New Educator Support & Training (NEST)
• STAR Media Center
• ASD RESOURCE REPOSITORY
  

Hearing Autistic Voices is a collaborative project between BrightWorks and the University of Minnesota LEND Program with the aim of amplifying autistic voices to help educators better support them in the educational environment and help prepare them for their future.

This project seeks insights from autistic individuals ages 16–26 to help educators better support autistic students, fostering positive change for both future students and teachers. Through a series of interviews, we aim to gather valuable perspectives and will present a summary of our findings at the upcoming AuSM State Conference in April.

We are still accepting applications for interviewees through the end of February into early March. Please share this interest form with any autistic individuals ages 16-26 you think may be interested in participating. The interview can be virtual or in-person and participants will earn a $20 Amazon gift card.

Thank you for sharing this opportunity! We will plan to include insights and resources in future editions of this newsletter. Please contact tami.childs@brightworksmn.org for more information.

Dates: Saturdays 10-11:30AM February 22nd- May 3rd

Where: 641 Fairview Ave N, Suite 191 St. Paul, MN

What Should I Expect at MNprov FrieNDs?

At MNprov FrieNDs I can expect to feel safe, have fun, and meet some new people while playing improvisation games.

I can participate in the improvisation games as much or as little as I would like. Michael Bruckmueller, the teaching artist, is really flexible and understands that sometimes participants might need to watch for a bit before joining, or may need to take a break. It’s fine if I want to watch for awhile, or take a break if I need one. Michael will have a bag of sensory tools from the Autism Society of Minnesota if I’d like to use a sensory tool.

The most important thing about improvisation games is the “YES, AND . . .” rule. All of the participants will say “YES” to my ideas, and I will say “YES” to the ideas offered by others. As we say “YES” to each other and add new ideas, we will create something brand new together.

I can expect to laugh a lot at MNprov FrieNDS, and laughing is a great way to decrease stress.

If I have any questions, I can send an email to info@mnprov.org

Date: March 7, 2025; 9-11 a.m.
Presented by: Leah Kuypers (she/her)

Where: Held Virtually. The recording will be available for one month after the workshop
Pricing: $59.99 (non-member), $49.99 (member), $39.99 (autistic individual)

Regulation is a lifelong process that everyone navigates, whether we realize it or not. We all face challenging situations that can push us beyond our comfort zones. The key is recognizing when we are becoming dysregulated so we can take steps to manage our emotions and regain balance. While self-regulation may come naturally to some, for others, it requires intentional practice and support. In this webinar, we will explore The Zones of Regulation—a framework designed to help individuals develop awareness and strategies for managing their emotions, behaviors, and overall well-being.

This session will unveil the updated Zones of Regulation Digital Curriculum, highlighting its evolved framework and enriched resources designed for effective teaching and learning. Discover how the Digital Curriculum incorporates the latest research, neurodiverse-affirming practices, and Universal Design for Learning to create a meaningful and impactful experience for learners with diverse support needs. You’ll also receive a guided tour of the new Zones curriculum, showcasing its interactive features, updated visuals, and expanded resources. The webinar includes an exclusive interview with Leah, where she’ll share her insights and answer your questions, empowering you to confidently embrace the next chapter of The Zones of Regulation.

Already familiar with the zones? Here’s what the new Digital Curriculum adds:

• Flexibly designed for teaching individuals, small groups, or whole classes of learners in schools, homes, therapeutic, and community settings.
• Includes time-tested concepts from the 1st edition book plus new content that reflects a decade of innovation and research.
• Conveniently accessed on a web-based platform.
• A more inclusive, accessible, and neurodiverse-affirming approach using UDL (Universal Design for Learning).

Date: April 9, 2025

Where: In person and virtual options to attend! In person: 400 Stinson Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55413

Dates: April 16-18, 2025

Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis Airport Hotel

Join AuSM for this landmark gathering to access the latest insights and resources on autism in one place. This year’s conference will feature inspiring keynote speakers and informative breakout sessions designed for autistics, family members, educators, and professionals alike.

Dates: April 28-30, 2025

Where: Maddens on Gull Lake, 11266 Pine Beach Peninsula, Brainerd, MN 56401

Times: 1 PM on Monday, April 28, 2025 - 1 PM on Wednesday, April 30, 2025

What is Charting the Cs?

The Charting the Cs Conference is a statewide professional development event featuring Minnesota practitioners who implement evidence-based practices, practical strategies, and innovative instruction to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities.

The 2025 Charting the Cs event, "To literacy and beyond!" is a three-day in-person event, where we delve deep into the world of reading support for students with low-incidence disabilities. Our keynote presentations feature cutting-edge strategies and insights into literacy development tailored to diverse learning needs.

Key Areas of Focus in Breakout Sessions:

• The Pillars of Literacy: Uncover innovative approaches to teaching phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension for students with low-incidence disabilities.
• Assistive Technology for Literacy: Explore cutting-edge tools that enhance literacy accessibility for students with diverse needs.
• Multisensory Reading Instruction: Discover effective techniques incorporating visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements to support various learning styles.
• Differentiated Instruction in Reading: Gain practical strategies for implementing differentiated instruction to meet individualized needs.
• Building Inclusive Literacy Environments: Learn how to create inclusive classroom environments that foster literacy engagement and success for all students, regardless of their abilities.

We’re also thrilled to announce a new feature in the newsletter: showcasing one of our incredible ASD educators! If you or someone you know would like to be highlighted, please complete the form below. We’ll review the submissions and select a Featured Teacher for the upcoming winter edition. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the amazing work happening in ASD classrooms across the state!

Jill Locke, an Associate Professor at the University of Washington, wants to invite your team to participate in The University of Washington RUBIES Study!

Her and her team were awarded a NIMH grant to redesign an implementation strategy (the strategy a trainer uses to teach an evidence-based intervention) to support elementary school educators' use of an evidence-based program, Research Units in Behavioral Interventions for Educational Settings (RUBIES), for autistic children in self-contained and/or general education settings. RUBIES is a school-based adaptation of RUBI, which has been widely used in clinic settings and has shown significant improvements in reducing challenging behavior in autistic children (and stress in parents).

This study (The UW ALACRITY RUBIES Study) has been approved by the University of Washington IRB.

For more information about this study, please watch the video below or read the UW RUBIES Study Overview.

If you are interested…

Please complete this short informational form: https://redcap.link/RUBIES_Educators

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Special Education Division enlisted experts from across the nation for a series of remote presentations. We have recorded these sessions for your review and use. The insights and resources here are valuable for all educators. All recordings are closed captioned and include links to accessible slide shows and other materials.

Topics included in the webinar series that are fully accessible are:

• Alternative Delivery of Special Education Services (ADSIS) 101
• Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) 101
• Integrating PBIS and School Linked Behavioral Health Services
• Evidence Based Practices used by School Linked Behavioral Health (SLBH) Providers and Exemplar Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Schools
• Statewide Assessment General Supports and Accommodations
• Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS)
• Five Practically Good Ideas for Any Reality
• Returning to School During and After Crisis
• Check-in/Check-Out as a Tier 2 Support
• The Interconnected Systems Framework
• Systematic Screening in the COVID-19 Era
• Behavior Specific Praise: Implementing, Coaching, and Measuring the Impact of this Simple yet Specific Strategy

Welcome to the Communication Corner! My name is Leah Hicks, and I am an ASHA Certified Speech-Language Pathologist with over 10 years of experience in the educational setting. Here, you’ll find everything from tips and strategies to insights on embedding communication opportunities and facilitating meaningful interactions in your classroom or therapy room.

Are your AAC users primarily requesting items or activities? It’s time to go beyond “I want” and unlock the full range of communication possibilities! In this newsletter, we’re exploring how to expand AAC use beyond requesting to empower students to share their thoughts, build connections, and navigate their world with greater independence. Communication is about so much more than asking for things—it’s about expressing emotions, describing experiences, interacting with others, and even protesting when needed.

This handout provides an overview of key communication functions to target and practical strategies for embedding AAC throughout the day. From morning routines to group activities and social interactions, you’ll discover ideas for helping students use their devices in meaningful ways that enrich their school experience. Let’s work together to support our students in unlocking their full potential and finding their voice in every part of the day!

The Minnesota Mentor Program (MMP) continues to accept applications for the 2024-2025 school year for new teachers (protégés) for Minnesota teachers who are new to teaching students in low incidence disability areas: autism spectrum disorders (ASD), blind/visually impaired (B/VI), deaf/hard of hearing (D/HH), developmental cognitive disabilities, and physical/health disabilities (P/HD)!

Sign up for Tuesday Tips & Tricks to receive weekly, evidence-based strategies you can use in your classroom. Check out the latest series, Balanced Behavior Support, where we dive into a prevention, teaching, and responding to behavior with compassion and care.

Jen Guettler, MN ASD EBP Coach, is available Mondays from 7:30-8:00AM and 3:00-3:30 PM to help with any questions or situations you might have in your classroom. Sign up below to schedule a Zoom meeting!

The STAR Media Center is a completely FREE resource available to all Minnesota educators! It offers everything needed to create a structured and engaging classroom, with resources that support routines, play, language, and behavior. The STAR Media Center also includes an updated Themes First! — a collection of monthly, theme-based units packed with original songs, books, and activities that foster skill development and content generalization in a fun and accessible way. This year, Themes First! includes an expanded ELA and Math suite with engaging activities!

Each Themes First! unit provides a range of lessons, activities, and worksheets for both group and independent work at varying levels to meet diverse student needs.

Watch the updated demo below to learn how to access resources for routines and monthly thematic units, along with tips on using these tools effectively during center rotations.

Check out the An Ocean of Life unit in Theme's First! Theme units include original songs, books, and activities that support students’ skill development and generalization with content that’s fun, accessible, and theme-based. These monthly units now include an expanded social studies suite, containing fun, theme-related activities that reinforce cultural engagement. Included in all Themes First! units are lessons, activities, and worksheets for group and independent work at a wide range of levels.

Check out this Tuesday Tips & Tricks and video on how to prep an entire Themes First! unit.

Need help accessing your STAR Media Center account? Contact tami.childs@brightworksmn.org

Need help utilizing this resource in your classroom? Contact jennifer.guettler@brightworksmn.org

This repository will include all evidence based practice resources that are shared in the newsletter on a given month. This is your go-to place to access the tools that ASD educators need! We will add to this as we continue to roll out excellent resources!

Summer 2024

Spring 2024

Winter 2023

Fall 2023

Summer 2023

Spring 2023

Winter 2022

Fall 2022

Summer 2022

April 2022

March 2022

February 2022

January 2022

December 2021

November 2021

Tami Childs, MN ASD Statewide Specialist

Jen Guettler, MN ASD EBP Coach

Gail Jankowski, MN Low Incidence Project Support

Website: https://www.mnlowincidenceprojects.org/Projects/asd/index.html
Location: 2 Pine Tree Drive, Arden Hills, MN, USA
Phone: 612-638-1527
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/525786611465791