We’re thrilled to invite you to the Autism eXchange Annual Conference and Staycation, a gathering dedicated to advancing understanding, support and innovation in Autism research and services in your community! The conference 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. This conference promises to be an enriching and memorable experience for all.
What makes it a “Staycation”?
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!
Event Details:
- Date: Friday, July 11 – Saturday, July 12, 2025
- Time: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Location: Wilderness Resort & Waterpark and Glacier Canyon Lodge
What to Expect:
At the Autism eXchange Annual Conference and Staycation, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Engage with expert speakers presenting the latest research and support tactics in Autism.
- Participate in interactive workshops focused on practical skills and resources.
- Network with other attendees to foster new connections and collaborations.
- Attend panel discussions that explore lived experiences, advocacy, and future directions in Autism support.
- Have fun in sensory modified environments with people who don’t judge and welcome you just as you are!
We’re looking forward to an inspiring and impactful event. Join us in our mission to foster greater understanding and support for the Autism community!
Emily Raclaw
Director of Marquette University’s On Your Marq Neurodiversity Support ProgramEmily Raclaw’s presentation “College Ready vs College Capable” will inform attendees about the importance of transition planning, the supports and services provided by On Your Marq, and so much more!
Danielle Tolzmann
Executive Director of Family Voices of WisconsinThis presentation will inform families about how they can take the next step and become an advocate for their community and impact programs and services for all children.
Cheri Sylla
Statewide Coaching & Indicator 8 Coordinator at CESA 1 / WSPEIThis presentation, “The Journey from School to Life After High School,” will identify strategies and services to include in a post-secondary transition plan that links to the youth’s goals for the future. Participants will leave this session with concrete and doable next steps.
Stephanie Adrihan
Family Engagement Coordinator at CESA 1 / WSPEIThis “IEP Bootcamp” presentation will focus on empowering families to become active and contributing partners in their child’s IEP meeting. Through interactive exercises and practical guidance, attendees will gain valuable strategies and time to prepare for their next meeting.
Andre Sam
Executive Director of Disability & Special Needs ProjectThis presentation will cover topics including Guardianship vs Alternatives to Guardianship, wills, trusts, SSI, budget planning, and more. Attendees will leave this presentation with a better understanding of disability planning and how the different aspects impact one another.
Katie Berg
Statewide Coordinator at Supporting Neurodiverse Students Professional Learning SystemThis presentation will provide updated information on what we know about the brain and learning as well as updated strategies to remain responsive when behaviors are challenging.
Heidi Hamilton
Enrichment Center Director at Journey21Heidi’s presentation “Empowering Families, Strengthening Communities, and Providing Positive Experiences: The Journey21 Approach to Transitioning into Adulthood” will discuss the importance of collaborating with universities, local schools, agencies, and businesses to create amazing opportunities for adults and community members. Participants will leave with an understanding of the various opportunities available for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities after they graduate high school or transition at the age of 21.
Lauren Zimmer
Founder and Executive Director of Infinite Possibilities Animals Inc.Lauren’s presentation, “Understanding Assistance Animals (Service Dogs, Emotional Support Animals, and Therapy Dogs): Their Roles in the Autism Community” will explore the different types of working dogs that support individuals with Autism and other disabilities, including service dogs, emotional support animals (ESAs), and therapy dogs. This session aims to provide actionable steps, dispel myths, and help create a more inclusive environment for Autistic individuals and their support animals.
Dr. Rebecca Thompson
Senior Director for Advocacy at Wisconsin Early Autism ProjectThe “Strategies and Supports Promoting Safety in the Home and Community” presentation will offer teaching strategies and visual supports to encourage safe behavior at home and in the community. Participants will leave with the tools to teach safety skills to individuals on the Spectrum.
Tim Markle
Director of Wisconsin Youth Health Transition InitiativeTim’s presentation “Bridging the Gap: The Importance of Health Care in Becoming an Adult” will discuss the changes in health care as youth transition into adulthood. Participants will leave this presentation with an understanding of the importance of collective, person-centered planning, and with action items how what they can do to help young adults transition successfully into adulthood.
Become An Exhibitor
If you want a presence at the conference to share what you offer to the Autism community, consider being an exhibitor! This is an amazing opportunity to engage directly with families in the area you serve.
Autism United of Wisconsin values exhibitor participation and is committed to facilitating connections between registrants and exhibitors. Autism United will facilitate games to encourage visitation through the conference platform. Exhibitors are also welcome to host their own raffles or prize drawings to increase engagement.
To register to be an Exhibitor, please follow this link.
DEADLINE: June 11, 2025
Exhibitor Rates
The exhibitor fee includes a 8′ table, name on website and in conference program, and chairs for up to 2 people. Please note that the exhibitor registration does not include conference registration. If your exhibit attendant wishes to attend breakout sessions, they must register for the conference as well. You can add this addition to your registration. Sponsors are offered prime table locations. Other tables will be randomly assigned, and you will receive your assignment closer to the event.
| Registration Type | Registration Rates |
|---|---|
| Commercial Exhibitors | 1 Table – $450 | 2 Tables $525 |
| Non-Profit Service Exhibitors | 1 Table – $350 | 2 Tables $425 |
| Individual with Autism | 1 Table – $125 | 2 Tables $150 |
Become a Conference Sponsor
As a sponsor or advertiser, your organization will have the opportunity to highlight your organization and engage directly with our attendees from areas you serve. Your support will play a crucial role in helping us provide valuable resources, education, and connections to individuals and families throughout Wisconsin. Autism United serves the largest county and most populous service area in the state, so this is an amazing way to share your organization and services with the local Autism community in the state and especially the Southeastern Wisconsin counties including Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, Washington, Walworth, Ozaukee, Jefferson and Dodge.
Click Here to learn more about the available sponsorship levels and what’s included.
2025 Sponsors
Registration
REGISTRATION CAN BE COVERED BY CLTS WAIVER FUNDING OR IRIS FUNDING! PLEASE CONTACT YOUR COUNTY COORDINATOR TO COVER THIS EXPERIENCE.
The registration fee includes access to all the activities and experiences within the conference as well as breakfast and lunch on Friday and Saturday. Registration fees do not include hotel accommodation or attraction access; however, hotel accommodation may be covered through waiver funding. Please ask your coordinator for more details!
To register to attend, please follow this link.
Deadline: June 10, 2025
| Registration Type | Registration Rates |
|---|---|
| Individual Member | $220 |
| Individual Non-Member | $245 |
| Children (12 and under) | $150 |
| Individual with Autism | $125 |
| Conference Support Person | $125 |
Autism United Member
If you are a current member of Autism United of Wisconsin, you may register at this discounted rate. If you are unsure of your membership status, please reach out to (414) 988-1260 or info@autism-united.org.
If you are not a current member, please register for membership here.
Individual with Autism
This rate is for individuals on the Autism Spectrum. This includes children with Autism who will be in attendance.
Conference Support Person
To qualify for this rate your primary purpose for attending the conference must be to support an individual with Autism who is also registered for the conference. Please include their name on your registration form. Only 1 support person (per Autistic individual) may register at this rate.
