Dear families and friends of the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin (Autism United of Wisconsin):
Today, February 5, we proudly introduce to you and the world our new organizational name, as the sun sets on our affiliation with the Autism Society of America.
Say hello to Autism United of Wisconsin!
While we’ve had a long and generally productive relationship with ASA that spans almost 50 years, the past 18 months have seen our desires and goals to reach wider statewide audiences frustrated by our state and national organizations.
Our challenge? We have always been the largest affiliate in our state, both in general population as well as neurodiverse population served. However, Wisconsin is currently divided by three affiliates — making us one of the most divided states in the country per capita.
Our goal? We’ve long believed that it’s in the best interests of Wisconsin’s Autism community to be united. Put simply, as Wisconsin’s largest Autism service organization, we believe that expanding the delivery of information, education, resources and support across our state — not stopping at some geographic border — can enhance the lives of more spectrum-impacted children, teens, adults, families, teachers and care providers.
We’re not alone. We’re not the first ASA chapter to be disaffiliated or to resign affiliation. Affiliates in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Tennessee have all terminated ASA affiliation, and another 16 states don’t even have one ASA Affiliate.
Next steps: Our goal is to work together, today and tomorrow:
- Trust your board. We would never embark on a direction that would by design negatively impact any neurodiverse person or family.
- Check us out and ask questions. Visit our new website at: Autism-United.org. We have an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page specific to our exciting new direction at www.Autism-United.org/faqs.
- All aboard! Our legacy leadership, board of directors and organizational leaders are all enthusiastic about our direction and future! View their thoughts here: www.Autism-United.org/testimonials.Thank you for the opportunity to help us build better lives and brighter futures for everyone impacted by Autism.
From your Autism United executive leadership, board of directors, ambassadors and more: thank you for your support, enthusiasm and positive encouragement!