Finding Cooper's Voice | Welcome to the Secret World of Autism

Bowling at Concord Lakes; St. Paul, MN (Sensory Friendly)
2026-03-21 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
OOP’S TROOPS BOWLING 2026

Please join The Swenson’s for some bowling fun. This is a perfect event to bring the whole family. Do not worry if you don’t know if your child will bowl or not. Join us! Meet some other families. Have fun! In a safe, inviting, non-judgement space.

Date: SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2026
Arrival: 11:30 A.M.
Start Time: 11:45 A.M. – 12:45 p.m.

Location:
Concord Lanes365 Concord Exchange N,South St Paul, MN 55075

REGISTER HERE: https://www.signupgenius.com/…/30E0E4FA4AC22ABFB6…

Cost $15.00 per person includes bowling shoes and 1 hour of bowling with 5 or 6 people per lane

You may be paired with other families for bowling. I will assign a lane to you at arrival. If you want to be paired with a specific family please send me a message by Monday 3/16/26.

Please register and pay Kate by Saturday 3/14/26
Reference bowling in notes area.
Paypal account: swensonkate@yahoo.com
Venmo Account: kate-swenson-0

Food and drink are available to be purchased separately.
If there are any questions, please let me know via Facebook messenger or email theduffy1028@gmail.com

Sensory Friendly Movie - The Super Mario Bros. Galaxy Movie - Woodbury 10 Theater
2026-04-11 14:30 - 17:00 | Woodbury 10 Theater
Coop’s Troops MN Movie Theater Event 2026
Please join us for a Coop’s Troops Sensory Friendly Movie Theater

Date: Saturday April 11, 2026
Check-in Time: 2:30 p.m.
Movie Start Time: 2:55 p.m. CST.

Location:
Woodbury 10 Movie Theater
1470 Queens Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125
https://woodburytheatre.com

Price: $7.00 per person
Movie: The Super Mario Bros. Galaxy Movie – NEW RELEASE

Mario will bounce his way to outer space in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, the sequel to 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie.The follow-up is inspired by the Super Mario Galaxy games, though producers promise it “holds surprises for fans of every Mario era.”Concessions are purchased separately

No outside food or drink allowed, including water bottles

Please send payment to Kate via Paypal or Venmo by Saturday 4/4/26 so we can secure your spot.
Paypal account: swensonkate@yahoo.com
Venmo Account: kate-swenson-0

If you are not able to attend please change your registration ASAP and at least 1 day prior to event as this is a popular activity each year.

Finding Joy in the Secret World of Autism Presentation; Rochester, MN
2026-04-18 17:00 - 20:00
Join the Rochester Area Autism Association in hosting parent and advocate Kate Swenson as she reflects back on her family’s journey through an autism diagnosis, early intervention, and navigating a world not made for Cooper, and the emotional toll these processes can take on a family.

In her talk, Kate will discuss the transformation she made as not only a parent, but as a person, and the support that parents need from professionals, family members, and those within their community to help their family adjust to this new chapter of life. This presentation will inspire, bring laughter and tears, and ultimately be a conversation starter for the listeners.

Q & A to follow the keynote talk. Questions can be emailed in advance to: director@rochesterautism.org or text 507-226-7037. Kate will be available following the Q & A for book signing. Forever Boy and Autism Out Loud will be available at the talk.

Event Details:
Saturday, April 18, 2026 5:00 PM Mayo High School Auditorium-1420 11th Avenue SE, Rochester, MN 55904 Enter through Door 1
Doors open at 4:30 PM

Get Tickets Here: https://my.onecause.com/…/vevt:87b1752c-e4a5…/home/story

Accessible seating is available upon request. If you or a member of your party have any accessibility needs, please let us know in advance so we can ensure a comfortable experience for you.

Kindly contact us at director@rochesterautism.org with any requests or questions.

About Kate Swenson:Kate Swenson is a nationally recognized autism advocate, speaker, and the creator of the blog and social media platform Finding Cooper’s Voice, where she shares authentic insights into parenting a child with autism. She is the co-author of the bestselling book Autism Out Loud, a powerful and unfiltered collection of stories from autism parents that amplifies diverse experiences within the autism community. Through her writing, speaking, and advocacy work, Kate has built a supportive online community of hundreds of thousands of families and continues to use her voice to promote acceptance, inclusion, and hope.

Kate Swenson Author Event, Lakeville, MN
2026-04-21 18:00 - 20:00
Tickets are on sale now!

Kate Swenson is a Minnesota-based author, speaker, and advocate best known as the voice behind the widely followed platform Finding Cooper’s Voice.She began sharing her family’s story after her son Cooper was diagnosed with severe, nonverbal autism, writing with raw honesty about the joys, grief, humor, and resilience that come with special needs parenting.

Kate is also the author of the memoir Forever Boy, and her work has touched millions of parents, caregivers, and educators navigating disability, motherhood, and unconditional love. Through her writing and speaking, Kate creates connection and reminds families they are not alone.
Now you can hear Kate speak in person!
April 21, 20256:00 PMLakeville South High School

This event is open to the public, and we especially encourage parents, family members, friends, caregivers, and educators of children with special needs to attend.

Proceeds support the Family Connections Special Education PTO, helping strengthen programs and resources for students and families in our community.
Thank you to our sponsor, Pettinelli Financial Partners, for helping make this meaningful event possible.

2025 Care for the Caregiver Retreat (Owensboro, Kentucky)
2026-04-30 - 2026-05-02
We are thrilled to share that the 2026 Care for the Caregiver Conference will be hosted in Owensboro, Kentucky, April 30–May 2 — right in the heart of Kentucky Derby weekend! There’s no better time to experience the beauty, culture, and hospitality of the Bluegrass State. We are so excited to partner with Puzzle Pieces to bring you this life changing event.

Known as the Bluegrass Music Capital of the World, Owensboro offers a one-of-a-kind backdrop for this year’s event. Caregivers can:

Rest. Relax. Socialize. Learn. Connect. Dance. And…
Take in live music and explore the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum;

Stroll through a charming, walkable downtown filled with unique boutiques and locally owned restaurants;

Relax by the Ohio River at Smothers Park, named one of the top riverfronts in America.

Owensboro is a hidden gem — warm, welcoming, and the perfect place for caregivers to step away from their daily responsibilities, invest in themselves, and recharge.

Mark your calendars now: April 30–May 2, 2026. Join us in Owensboro for a weekend of renewal, connection, and celebration you won’t forget!

Early Bird Registration will open up in January 2026. For more information and stay connected, visit our website here: https://morethanproject.org/care-for-the-caregiver-retreat/
