You’re Supported by Others

Our groups offer individuals with Autism, as well as parents, siblings, teachers, care providers and others a place to find people who understand what you’re going through — supporting journeys, sharing experiences, and finding community.

Our groups offer outstanding opportunities for individuals to connect and share strategies for living a good life, often led by other people who are walking the same path. It’s a true “pay it forward” relationship: We learn from others who went before us and we look out for those new to the journey.

All our support groups are free and what happens at support group stays at support group.

Our Support Groups

Tuesday Night Tosa Parents’ Support Group

In Person

  • When: 2nd Tuesday of each month
  • Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
  • Where: Autism United of Wisconsin office
  • Facilitator: Julie Quigley

Thursday Morning Virtual Parents’ Support Group

Virtual (Zoom)

  • When: 2nd Thursday of each month
  • Time: 10:00 – 11:30 AM
  • Where: Online via Zoom
  • Facilitator: Julie Quigley

Parents of Spectrum Adults Support Group

In Person · Parents of Teens & Adults

Are you parenting a neurodiverse teen or adult? Parenting someone on the spectrum can come with unique joys, challenges, and experiences that others may not always understand. Join us for a welcoming community gathering where you can catch up with old friends, meet new ones, share experiences, and find your people.

  • When: 1st Tuesday of each month
  • Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
  • Where: Autism United, 3720 N. 124th St., Suite N, Wauwatosa, WI 53222
  • Facilitator: Sandy Krause

Latinos Unidos por Autismo – Spanish-Language Support Groups

Autism United of Wisconsin invites you to join a group for Spanish-speaking families. Latinos Unidos por Autismo is a support group, a space for reflection and understanding where parents with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can connect with other parents to develop skills and learn about resources that can help the family. This group is for all Spanish-speaking parents, including parents of adults on the spectrum. (Conducted in Spanish)

Caregiver Support – Latino Group (In Person)

En español · In Person

  • When: 1st Monday of each month
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Where: Blessed Sacrament Parish School, 3126 S. 41st Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215
  • Facilitator: Adela

2026 dates: 2/2, 3/2, 4/6, 5/4, 6/1, 7/6, 8/3, 10/5, 11/2, 12/7

Caregiver Support – Latino Group (Virtual)

En español · Virtual (Zoom)

  • When: 3rd Monday of each month
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Where: Online via Zoom
  • Facilitator: Adela

2026 dates: 2/16, 3/16, 4/20, 5/18, 6/15, 7/20, 8/17, 9/21, 10/19, 11/16, 12/21

Meet Our Facilitators

Julie Quigley

Julie Quigley, M.A. in Teaching

Facilitator, Tuesday Night Tosa & Thursday Morning Virtual groups

Julie taught special education in the public school system for 20 years. She also has 3 adult sons with autism whom she raised with her husband of 35 years. Julie’s experience led her to serve on many local and state committees over her 35-year career with autism, including serving as the Director of Education and Outreach at Autism United of Wisconsin for eight years prior to taking on her current role of Executive Director.

Sandy Krause

Sandy Krause

Facilitator, Parents of Spectrum Adults Support Group

Sandy started her autism journey when her oldest child, who is now an adult, was diagnosed at four years old. With a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Business Management and extensive experience in nonprofit communications, she applied her skills to community building. Early in her parenting journey she was supported by those who’d walked the path. Now she strives to uplift others on their journey. She has served as President of Wisconsin Autism Empowerment, a nonprofit group led by neurodiverse adults, for 12 years. When there is a need in the autism community, she’s the first to bring us all together to help our people.

Adela

Adela

Facilitator, Latinos Unidos por Autismo (Spanish-language groups)

Adela, as a mother of a child with autism, knows how difficult it is to reach community services due to language barriers, and how important it is to connect with a group that understands and wants us. She knows how difficult it is to go down this path by yourself and decided to become more involved in the community.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

The Parents of Spectrum Adults Support Group is sponsored by Support Plus Assisted Living and Support Plus Personal Care.

Support Plus Assisted LivingSupport Plus Personal Care

Support Plus Assisted Living – Physician-owned, RN-staffed Adult Family Homes offering 24/7 expert care for individuals with complex medical and behavioral needs. Learn more: 262-442-3650

Support Plus Personal Care – Compassionate in-home care throughout Southeast Wisconsin, including support that helps eligible family members and friends receive compensation for the care they provide. Learn more: 262-420-4008

Need a group closer to you?

Contact our office for a list of other support groups — or if you’re interested in starting your local Autism United of Wisconsin affiliate anywhere in the state’s 72 counties. We’re all in this together, today and tomorrow.

Disclaimer

The facilitators of our support groups are NOT professional counselors or psychotherapists. If you need professional help, see our Resource Directory listings or contact our office for information on local professionals. All Support Groups are free of charge. No child care provided.