Autism is a journey… Don’t take it alone.
Adults on the Spectrum need support, friendship and camaraderie just like everyone else. We are here for you and can help you find activities and a group that will welcome you, just as you are.
Goals:
Connect adults living with Autism.
Share experiences and learn from others.
Have an accepting group to help you celebrate life’s milestones and support you when things are tough.
Southeastern Wisconsin Autistic Navigators (SWAN)
Southeastern Wisconsin Autistic Navigators (SWAN) is a program for adults on the Autism Spectrum which meets the first and third Wednesday of each month. Adults on the Spectrum who are able to self-regulate and independently participate in activities without the assistance of a caregiver are welcome to attend. This program is ideal for those looking to meet people, practice social skills and make connections with those in the adult Autism community.
SWAN is facilitated by DeAnna Thomas and Becky Aten. This group is not intended to be therapy, but rather a safe space for adults to engage and make connections.
Beginning January 1, 2025, all SWAN members both current and new must be members of the Autism United of Wisconsin. Adults on the Spectrum Memberships cost $20 annually and include receiving our email newsletter, updates on program/workshop invitations first, access to Members Only events for you plus one guest, and can be paid for with your IRIS funds or other waivers.
In person meetings – 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month
Virtual meetings – 2nd Wednesday of the month (Please visit the Facebook group for the Zoom Meeting Access link and code.)
If you are not a current member of the group, please fill out this registration form by clicking here. Or contact us at 414-988-1276 or swan@autism-united.org
Once your form is received, a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible to talk about the registration or re-establishment process.
Support Group for Professionals
Are you a professional on the Autism Spectrum? Meet with other professionals on the Spectrum to discuss a variety of workplace issues.
Meeting will be hybrid on Zoom (link will be sent out after RSVP) and at Independence First – 540 S 1st Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Group meets on the 4th Wednesday of every month at 6:00 PM
January 22nd – General Support Group Session
February 26th – Topic: Identifying a Hostile Work Environment with Becky Aten
March 26th – Topic: Autistic Burnout with Peter Lucas
April 23rd – Topic: Toxic Relationships in the Workplace
May 28th – General Support Group Session
June 25th – Disclosing Your Autism at Work with Becky Aten
July 23rd – Networking with Mark Miller
August 27th – Advocating For Yourself in the Workplace with Leah Simmons
September 24th – Autism Professionals Mixer (in-person only event)
October 22nd – Negotiating Your Salary
To RSVP (seats are limited) and to request accommodations, contact Peter Lucas at 414-226-8379 V/Relay or PLucas@independencefirst.org
Community of Practice on ASD: Accepting Our Complex Bodies
Come Join us for a discussion around the intersection of our bodies and disability focusing on gut health and sleep health. We will learn about existing research and discussion on these issues. Following that we will hear from panelists talking about impact and solutions.
Keynote: Colleen McCluskey AAS, BS, MS
Panel on Gut Issues
Panel on Sleep Issues
Participants may attend this event virtually/online or at the Autism United office, which is one of the host sites. Please select your option during registration:
Free Watch Party: Exploring Relationships as Adults on the Spectrum
Come join us at the Autism United office while we live-stream a virtual presentation entitled “Exploring Relationships as Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder”!
Virtually hosted by Dr. Fred Volkmar with Southern Connecticut State University, this workshop focuses on experiences related to managing relationships as adults on the spectrum, and is geared towards adults on the spectrum, family members or friends, and professionals working with Autistic adults.
The workshop features expert presenters, a panel discussion featuring adults with ASD, and a question-and-answer section.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Autism eXchange Annual Conference and Staycation
The Autism eXchange Annual Conference and Staycation brings together a diverse group of experts, advocates, caregivers, and individuals on the Autism Spectrum to share insights and strategies that make a difference. Our goal is to empower individuals by fostering a sense of community, connecting them with valuable resources and supports, all while offering a fun, safe, and sensory-friendly environment.
One of the things that makes this conference unique is that Autism United has worked with the Wilderness Resort to offer Sensory Friendly experiences throughout the resort for the Staycation weekend. This includes sensory friendly arcade time at the Wilderwoods Arcade and a modified waterpark experience throughout the resort. We have also worked with partner organizations to integrate family-friendly activity spaces throughout the conference to make this conference truly fun for all. That’s right, kids are welcome to come to this event!
Date: Friday, July 11 – Saturday, July 12, 2025
Time: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Wilderness Resort & Waterpark and Glacier Canyon Lodge
Interested in being a presenter or a sponsor? Want to attend? Discover all the details here!
Woodside Prairie
Woodside Prairie, a unique community in Grafton, WI where adults with Autism share residences and have the supports and environment needed to live lives filled with meaningful work, friendships, recreation, and involvement in their spiritual and local communities.
Exploring Your Autistic Identity
Join us for a six-session program of themed educational and discussion-based workshops for adults who wish to explore their Autistic identity in community. This is a neurodiversity-affirming offering developed by and for Autistic adults, focused on providing information, resources, and opportunities for connection around shared experiences. All adults on the Autism Spectrum are welcome, whether newly diagnosed or simply seeking more information and resources for their self-acceptance journey.
