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.
Sensory-Friendly Bowling
Join us for a sensory-friendly, fun bowling event at Watertown Bowl! Network with other families and explore our resource and learning table at this reduced rate event. Admission to this event is $13 and includes two games, shoe rental, food and drink! Current Autism United Members receive discounted admission of $10!
Where: Watertown Bowl – 102 West Cady Street Watertown, WI 53094
When: 11: 00 am – 1:30 p.m.
Date: January 18 2026
Sensory Friendly Tree Lighting
Love celebrating the holidays, but worried that certain events will be overwhelming? Join us for our third annual FREE sensory friendly holiday tree lighting for children and adults with Autism and other developmental disorders! Visit with sensory friendly Santa and enjoy the crafts, games, and other holiday activities. We will then bundle up to count down the tree lighting outside the library at 7 p.m.
Where: Mukwonago Community Library 511 Division St. Mukwonago, WI 53149
When: 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Date: December 4 2025
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 the month in person, and the 2nd Wednesday virtually on Zoom. 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.
Dates for the 2026 conference to July 10th and 11th, 2026 and info coming soon!
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 414-988-1262 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 On the Autism Spectrum 2026
Are you a professional on the Autism Spectrum? Do you have issues at your workplace that you would like to discuss? Would you like to talk to professionals on the Spectrum who are going through similar experiences?
Meet with other professionals on the Spectrum to discuss a variety of workplace issues.
Meetings will be virtually on Zoom (link will be sent out after RSVP)
Group meets on the 4th Wednesday of every month at 6:00 PM
- January 28: General Support Group Session
- February 25: Housing 101 with Phillip Corona
- March 25: Starting a New Job and the Orientation Process with Mark Miller
- April 22: Assistive Technology in the Workplace with Cindi Pichler
- May 27: General Support Group Session
To RSVP (seats are limited) and to request accommodations, contact Peter Lucas at 414-226-8379 V/Relay or PLucas@independencefirst.org
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.
