Autism Support in Wisconsin

Having a child with an Autism diagnosis can leave a family feeling isolated and confined!  It can lead to families not exploring the community or having memorable family adventures out of fear of what my child might do! As Autism prevalence has been on the increase, so have resources, specifically in Wisconsin!
One of the wonderful resources that exists are Autism Societies in Wisconsin!  The Autism Society of America has 2 technical affiliates and there is an additional affiliate transitioning to become an independent WI resource (still maintaining the same resources as when they were affiliated).  Each affiliate services a particular region – 

• Autism United of Wisconsin (formerly Autism Society of South Eastern Wisconsin): Supports Milwaukee and their surrounding counties (Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, Ozaukee, and Washington) 
  
• The Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin: Supports Dane and their surrounding counties (Crawford, Columbia, Dane, Grant, Green, Iowa, Lafayette, Richland, Rock, Sauk, and Dodge)
  
• Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin which includes the following local chapters: 
  
  • Central Wisconsin: Supports the following north central counties – Clark, Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Portage, Price, Taylor, Vilas and Wood Counties.
    
  • Fox Valley: Supports the following central counties – Outagamie, Winnebago, Calumet, Fond du Lac, and Waupaca
    
  • Northeast Wisconsin: Supports the following north east counties – Brown, Shawano, Oconto, Marinette, Menominee, Door, Kewaunee and Florence County
    
  • Lakeshore: Supports the following east central counties – Manitowoc, Sheboygan, and Calumet
    
  • Northern Driftless: Supports the following west central counties – LaCrosse, Vernon, Monroe, Juneau, Adams, Waushara, Marquette, Green Lake
    
  • West Central Region: Supports the following north west counties –Sawyer, Polk, Barron, Rusk, St. Croix, Dunn, Chippewa, Pierce, Pepin, Eau Claire, Buffalo, Trempealeau and Jackson
    

Each affiliate and local chapter provide a number of resources for families affected by Autism, including support groups (in person and/or virtual) for parents, sensory/autism friendly events in various locations (many free for members!), resources for neurotypical siblings, larger resource guides, volunteer opportunities, and a number of programs that are chapter specific!

If you are new to the Autism world or been around the block, check out your local chapter!  There are some amazing resources right at your fingertips!