Being on the Autism Spectrum can bring challenges that make it harder to enjoy experiences that most kids enjoy in their daily lives.
Autism United of Wisconsin provides a supportive environment through various events and activities all structured with the goal of providing our children a chance to comfortably learn how to interact with peers and enjoy these activities.
From learning to ride a bike to water comfort and safety — and much more! — is covered so Autistic boys and girls can learn to enjoy these experiences.
WisconSibs Sibshops are workshops for children and teens who are brothers and sisters of children with disabilities or long-term illnesses.
Youth Sibshops (ages 8-12) are a spirited mix of new games (designed to be unique, off-beat and appealing to a wide ability range), new friends and discussion activities.
Teen Sibshops (ages 13-17) focus on self-esteem building, peer connections and topics related to being a sibling of someone with a brain-based disability through activities and discussions.
Sibshops are guided by trained facilitators (school psychologists, teachers, counselors or adult siblings, for example) in small, age-appropriate groups. All are trained in sibling issues, and we always keep an eye open for any participants who may need additional support.
Where: Autism United of Wisconsin, 3720 N. 124th Street, Milwaukee
When: 9:00 a.m. – Noon
2025 Date(s): January 4, February 1, March 1, April 5, May 3
Click Here for more information and registration.
It’s never too early to learn to love art! Decorate a frame to hang on a window and turn the world outside into your own museum. Then join in the sing-alongs at 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. This program is designed especially for visitors ages five and under (with an adult).
Autism United of Wisconsin will be bringing a limited number of Sensory Bags for families to borrow if necessary as well as providing materials for a Quiet Space during the event. Feel free to stop by the Autism United of Wisconsin table to say hi and learn about the services we offer!
Click here to register.
The Betty Brinn Children’s Museum offers countless opportunities for children to learn about and explore their world through play. Autism United of Wisconsin has partnered with Milwaukee’s Betty Brinn Children’s Museum to support specific Sensory-Friendly sessions.
Enjoy a performance where families with children who need sensory accommodations can share the experience of seeing family-friendly theater in a welcoming environment.
Click Here to learn more about upcoming First Stage Sensory Friendly Theater Performances.
Join Autism United of Wisconsin as we partner with the WJ Niederkorn Library to offer FREE fun, interactive sensory playtimes! The sensory playtime program features a variety of tactile, sensory activity stations where children (under 13 years old) are free to explore with their caregiver. Stations may include shaving cream, sand, water, and/or food items. Dress to make a mess. Each month offers a different theme.
January 24 – Winter Wonderland
February 28 – Space
March 28 – Dinosaurs
April 25 – Plants and Flowers
May 23 – Ready for Summer fun!
June 27 – Color our World
July 25 – Water
August 22 – Zoo
Click here to register and learn more.
Autism United of Wisconsin is partnering with St. Francis Children’s Center to support four open play sessions in 2025. This Open Play is for children with special and-or support needs of all ages and their families. This event offers opportunities for children to play in a safe space surrounded by like-minded parents whounderstand the experiences of one another.
When weather allows, St. Francis opens their large fenced playground secure for children who elope. Each session, there will be two crafts for participants to take home along with the open play activities. Guardians, please reserve tickets for children only. Guardians are expected to attend with children during our programming.
Autism United of Wisconsin is partnering with St. Francis Children’s Center to provide an Easter Egg Hunt for our families. This is an opportunity to experience what many other families enjoy celebrating this holiday.
There will be an indoor egg hunt for littles under six years old in the Family Activity Center and an outdoor egg hunt for kids seven and older in their large fenced playground. Please bring your own baskets for the Easter Egg Hunt!
If weather changes, such as rain or snow, the outdoor activities will be hosted in the gym. For questions or concerns, please contact Angelica Lazarus, the St. Francis Family Activity Center Manager at (414) 351-7634 or email at alazarus@sfcckids.org.
Register to attend here!
ACEing Autism is on a mission for children with Autism to grow, develop and benefit from social connections and fitness through affordable tennis programming, uniquely serving individual needs while filling a national void for this growing and worthy population.
An amazing new program for children on the Autism Spectrum designed to encourage socialization and friendship through art activities including stories, crafts, music and movement! Join facilitator DeAnna Thomas, an educator with Autism United, and various musical guests including ‘Mr. Steve’ Girman, a musician and child entertainer for a morning of music and fun!
Children will sing, dance, paint and do so much more. Try out the Creative Kids Club on the third Saturday morning of each month. Sessions are open to kids 8 and up.
Click Here for more Creative Kids Club information.
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!
Making Change for Autism is a fun educational and awareness coin donation drive initiative specifically designed by special education teachers for schools. It invites schools to get engaged and help students make a difference all while learning how to understand Autism and be a friend to someone on the Spectrum. This turnkey education campaign helps raise funds to provide community opportunities for students with Autism and their families. There are perks for the school for participating in this great campaign. This program also works great during April Autism Acceptance month!
Click here to learn more.
This program teaches individuals with disabilities how to ride a conventional bike and become a lifelong independent rider! Success in learning to ride a bicycle is a major accomplishment for attendees and builds confidence and an improved self-image. Nothing is more inspiring than seeing a group of bike camp participants ride a conventional bike completely independently. By the end of the five-day camp over 80% of riders learn to ride their bikes completely independently.
Click Here to learn more about iCan Bike Camp.
