Autism United of Wisconsin is Next Generation of Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin Beginning February 5, 2025
Milwaukee, WI: Autism United of Wisconsin (AUW) is the new not-for-profit corporate name for the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin (ASSEW). The goal of Autism United of Wisconsin is to expand the organization’s efforts to the state’s 72 counties and potentially beyond, providing services, support, information, education, resources and other valuable assistance to children, teens and adults on the Autism Spectrum, as well as families, friends, educators and caregivers. The new web address is www.Autism-United.org.
“Our mission at Autism United remains as it always has been the past 50 years we’ve served the Neurodiverse communities of Wisconsin,” says Rechelle Chaffee, executive director. “We are committed to providing a better life and brighter future for everyone impacted by Autism — together, today and tomorrow.”
Founded in 1975 as an affiliate of the Autism Society of America (ASA), Autism United of Wisconsin was the largest chapter in the state. However with ASA affiliates in Madison and the Northern Wisconsin, the state was also one of the most divided in the country per capita. AUW’s leadership and board of directors negotiated with ASA for more than 18 months to unite Wisconsin’s three affiliates — with the goal, to enhance the delivery of highest quality care, support, education and outcomes for Neurodiverse persons and families. Ultimately, those efforts were rejected.
“While this may come as a surprise to some, we’ve been working diligently yet quietly to find a solution that all organizations could embrace,” Chaffee adds. “That didn’t occur despite our best efforts. However, we’re not the first ASA affiliate to resign affiliation and probably not the last.” Affiliates in New Jersey, Connecticut and Tennessee have all terminated ASA affiliation, and one-third of all states do not have any ASA affiliate.
Current memberships, partnerships and supporters of the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin remain valid with the new Autism United of Wisconsin. Individuals or entities that desire to join AUW should visit www.Autism-United.org/Membership. Persons who desire to form support groups or new chapters of Autism United should visit www.Autism-United.org/Contact.
Other items of note with Autism United of Wisconsin:
• Autism United of Wisconsin is a recognized 501(c)3 charitable organization; donations are tax-deductible as prescribed by law (check your financial advisor)
• All current programs, services, resources and events remain unchanged
• Additional, new and better information share and communications are planned and may include
o New Statewide Autism Conference July 11-12 at Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort in Wisconsin Dells (www.Autism-United.org/conference-2025)
o New Video Programming
o New Podcast Programming
o Expanded E-Newsletters With State and National Information, Research, News, Events and More (subscribe here at www.Autism-United.org)
o New Virtual Opportunities for Autistic Kids, Teens and Adults; Families; Care Providers; Educators; Volunteers; Donors
o More New Events and Opportunities
IMAGES AND LOGOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | IMAGES AND LOGOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Rechelle Chaffee, Executive Director, Autism United | Rechelle@Autism-United.org
John Sprecher, Chief Marketing Officer, Outlier Brands | JohnS@Outlier-Brands.com
Eric Sprecher, Marketing Associate, Autism United | Eric@Autism-United.org