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
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
Join the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra for our annual Sensory Friendly concert experience!
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Wispact Foundation have donated 50 free tickets for their sensory inclusive performance on June 1st to Autism United of Wisconsin Members. We are offering these tickets on a first come, first served basis to our MEMBERS. We are also encouraging families to visit the resource fair beforehand and enjoy pre-concert activities. Sensory-friendly concerts are designed for people of any age on the Autism Spectrum or with a sensory sensitivity, and their families, but all are welcome! Join us for a special afternoon of music as we explore the musical superpowers of melody, rhythm, dynamics, and harmony!
Once the free tickets are all spoken for, you may still purchase tickets for Symphonic Superpowers HERE .
Please plan on picking up your tickets during normal business hours (Monday- Thursday 9 AM- 3 PM) at the Autism United Office on or before Thursday, May 29th, 2025.
Autism United of Wisconsin Office Address:
3720 N. 124th Street, Suite O
Wauwatosa, WI 53222
Need special pickup arrangements? Call 414-988-1260 and we may be able to accommodate your request.
Sensory friendly concerts are designed for people of any age on the Autism Spectrum or with a sensory sensitivity, and their families, but all are welcome! Join us for a special afternoon of music as we explore the musical superpowers of melody, rhythm, dynamics and harmony! With the help of Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, actors from Pink Umbrella Theater, and music from composers ranging from Beethoven and Mozart to John Williams and Michael Giacchino, we’ll discover that we all just might have our own special superpowers! Join us up to an hour prior to the performance to pick up a free Welcome Bag and enjoy special pre-concert activities, all with the aid of trained MSO Ambassadors!
Update! All tickets are currently spoken for, but please join our Waitlist!
Jefferson County Fair and Autism United have come together to create a Sensory Friendly experience at the 2025 Jefferson County Fair. We have helped them create resources such as a social narrative and map to be shared with families. Families will also receive 50% off tickets with an Autism United code.
Come Join us for Sensory Day at the Jefferson County Fair! Designed for guests with sensory sensitivities, their family and friends, this special day offers a more relaxed fair experience on July 9th from 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM.
- To help you plan your visit, a social story, sensory-friendly map, and all the details you’ll need are available at http://JCoFair.com
Enjoy all your favorite parts of the fair– see the animals, grab a tasty treat, play in the Kidz Zone, and get ready for the rides!
- Carnival rides begin at 4:00 PM and will run at a reduced sound level until 5:00 PM– perfect for fair fun without the overwhelming noise!
- Don’t miss out on the Sensory Tent, located just south of the Poultry Barn near the Kidz Zone. Inside you’ll find:
- 10 Sensory Go Bags (while supplies last!)
- Resources and info from Autism United of Wisconsin
- Members of Autism United of Wisconsin can snag discounted tickets online— just make sure to get them ahead of time!
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.
