Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin - West Central Region

The countdown continues! We are just ONE WEEK away from the start of Spectrum of Colors! Join us for an unbe-LEAF-able time!

Learn more and register here:
https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/YourCity/SpectrumofColors

Do you have a child between the ages 3-21 who has an IEP? Then this is for you!!

This free informational series will provide information to empower parents to become confident participants in the IEP process.

Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAqd-qqrj4vGNHKfHAk0STr9Mw0_4Aam3gK #/registration

Check out Spectrum of Colors! 🍂

Don’t “LEAF” us hanging! Join us for Spectrum of Colors Virtual Race Across Greater Wisconsin!

Click here to learn more:
https://www.autismgreaterwi.org/spectrum-of-colors/

Check out our September virtual events! 🍂

Make some connections this fall! Mark your calendars for our September virtual events!

Learn more here 👉 https://www.autismgreaterwi.org/programs/virtual-programs/

Read about the different ways to support Spectrum of colors! 🍂

Did you know there are "BEAR-y" many ways to support Spectrum of Colors?

🐻 Sign up for the race as a team or individually!
🦊 Purchase some of the “swag” items from the store!
🐰 Ask your friends and family to donate!
🐿️ Help spread the word by sharing our posts on social media!

Click here to learn more:
https://www.autismgreaterwi.org/spectrum-of-colors/

Wanting to look GOURD-geous this fall?

Join us for our Spectrum of Colors Virtual Race Across Greater Wisconsin and get your hands on some unique swag items!

Click here to learn more:
https://www.autismgreaterwi.org/spectrum-of-colors/

Spectrum of Colors Race Across Greater Wisconsin The Spectrum of Colors Race Across Greater Wisconsin is on Monday September 18, 2023 to Sunday October 15, 2023. It includes the following events: Individual, Individual, Individual, Team, Team, Team, Team, and Individual.

"From 8 a.m. until 10 a.m., both Walmart's will dim their lights, soften or turn off music, and possibly display static images on TV walls."

Local Walmarts to add sensory-friendly hours Beginning Saturday, those sensitive to bright lights and distracting noises will have their own day and time to shop in local Walmart's.

Happy 4th of July from the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin! May your day be festive, safe, and filled with red-white-and-blue! 🇺🇸

Read about Autism-friendly considerations for celebrating here:
https://www.autismgreaterwi.org/fun-for-all-autism-friendly-considerations-for-celebrating-the-4th-of-july/?fbclid=IwAR2jJ-y_K5GPpY01p6wUWrCkM9LwqBukBI77bI93w1yyW8ViCgwWEqfbhzk

The 4th of July is a favorite summer holiday for many. Summer weather, grilling season, festivals, and fireworks can make it a memorable time of year. However, it's important to recognize that for some individuals, this holiday can be overwhelming.

Autistic children and adults may find the 4th of July challenging due to large crowds, loud fireworks, and overall unpredictability. By taking proactive measures, we can ensure that 4th of July celebrations are inclusive and welcoming to everyone. The aim of this article is to offer practical suggestions that can help alleviate stress and anxiety associated with the holiday, empowering all to fully enjoy the festivities.

Fun For All: Autism-Friendly Considerations for Celebrating the 4th of July Fun For All: Autism-Friendly Considerations for Celebrating the 4th of July Kirsten Cooper June 29, 2023 News The 4th of July is a favorite summer holiday for many. Summer weather, grilling season, festivals, and fireworks can make it a memorable time of year. However, it’s important to recognize ...

Become a member today to enjoy special members-only benefits and add your voice to the growing number of individuals, families and professionals in the Autism community: https://www.autismgreaterwi.org/become-a-member/

This online support group is for adults with autism (ages 18 and over). It’s an opportunity to meet other autistic adults in a casual & welcoming environment, to share experiences, resources, challenges, triumphs, and to lessen feelings of isolation. The group is peer-led.

The group will typically meet every other Tuesday beginning at 7:00 pm.

Sign up here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqdu-uqzgoE9wFY5rt1bnG3d-1R5NKpURC #/registration

Summer is officially here and we are so excited to share with you that the Autism Society Affiliates in Wisconsin have teamed up with Noah’s Ark Waterpark to create THREE different Sensory Days this summer!

On June 26th, July 17th, and August 14th, Noah’s Ark will be opening up an hour early (at 9:00 AM) to give those with Autism and other sensory challenges a chance to enjoy the waterpark at a quieter pace.
A handful of rides will be open during this first hour for guests to enjoy. Noah’s Ark’s newest ride, Chameleon, will also be available during this hour and will have the lights and sounds turned off to accommodate those with different sensory needs.

A directory of the other rides available during this hour, with safety information and photos, can be found at:https://autismsouthcentral.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Noahs-Ark-Sensory-Day-Directory.pdf

Guests are more than welcome to stay at Noah’s Ark when it opens up to the general public at 10:00 AM. The lights and sounds for Chameleon will be turned on at this time.

In addition to opening up an hour early, Noah’s Ark will also be creating a sensory-friendly environment by reducing noise levels, minimizing visual stimulation, and providing designated quiet areas.

Tickets for this event are $25.99 plus tax. They can be purchased at the gate, or purchased ahead of time online using promo code SENSORY_DAY_PROMO (service fees do apply when purchasing online). Simply choose your Sensory Day, select how many tickets you want to purchase (use 2023 Adult Admission tickets), and type in the promo code in your “Order Summary”.

Autistic teens are welcome to join us this Sunday for our online Teen Hang Out group. The purpose of the group is to connect with other teens in a casual, online setting. Our facilitator will guide the teens through casual conversation, games, etc.

Sign up to attend here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYldO-hrDgoHNQtNMF1M2cVQLUEz5yX8DCj #/registration

Join our community as we work to re-establish our chapter in the West Central region! Members of the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin receive discounts to our Annual Conference, a subscription to our e-newsletter, member-only events and other local chapter benefits.

Join now: https://www.autismgreaterwi.org/become-a-member/

We're sharing this opportunity for Autistic Middle Schoolers -

Total Drama for ASD Middle School students is a week long theatre camp in which the students will learn all about the fundamentals of theatre and drama. Some themes include musical theatre, dance/movement, storytelling and so much more. These sessions will be specially designed to help students with ASD experience emotional expression, embodiment and social connection. Each student will be given the opportunity to explore drama at their own pace and at their own level.

Learn more here: https://www.village.com/programs/Program:0NGUbj?fbclid=IwAR1tvyvLRAWqiRlyKFF6wtt01E9juve39m6T2GhpvdqNFcpy5Nu33PxLGNc

Village Village is a social venture expanding access to out-of-school education

"Great conference!!! I am leaving the conference with more knowledge and feeling empowered and hopeful that my son can still have a great quality of life even though he has autism. I feel supported knowing that there are so many resources available for families with a child with autism."
-2022 Conference Attendee

The 2023 Wisconsin Autism Conference is just around the corner and it's an event you won't want to miss! Join us this April to connect with valuable resources, expand your knowledge, and build meaningful connections with others. .

The deadline is March 27th, 2023, so be sure to secure your spot now at https://www.autismgreaterwi.org/2023-annual-conference/.

https://volumeone.org/articles/2022/12/28/310058-uwec-professor-and-students-collaborate-with?fbclid=IwAR091eQT7itX3gvsleqb9guH_ho1jz4Zu4TGerhgJMkgWNauoCgKnj55MZI

UWEC Professor, Students Collaborate with Children’s Museum to Create Sensory Room The new Children’s Museum of Eau Claire is slated to open in early January, and with it comes a fully-equipped sensory room created to give kids (and adults) a place to regulate themselves if they become overstimulated. This room was designed by Dr. Kirstin Rossi, a UW-Eau Claire ...

Sensory Friendly screenings are back at Micon Cinemas!

Lights Up-Sound Down!

We started this with Micon years ago and now they're back!

This is for kids/people with Autism or anyone who just doesn't want their senses assailed so much!

These will take place once a month and the first one is THIS Saturdayy (10/15)!

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Online Adult Support Group. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting. Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Online Adult Support Group. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

Quick! Pinecone a friend! ☎️

We are ONE participant away from our goal of 350 participants for the Spectrum of Colors Virtual Race Across Greater Wisconsin! The 350th participant will receive a free ASGW Spectrum of Colors belt bag!

Already signed up? Refer a friend and you'll BOTH receive a belt bag!

Sign up here: https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/YourCity/SpectrumofColors

We are FALLING for this t-shirt and can't wait to cozy up in this sweatshirt on cooler fall nights! Sign up for the Spectrum of Colors Virtual Race to get your swag, and support the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin - West Central Region!

We are FALLING for this t-shirt and can't wait to cozy up in this sweatshirt on cooler fall nights!

Sign up for the Spectrum of Colors Virtual Race to get your swag! https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/YourCity/SpectrumofColors

Family Voices of Wisconsin is hosting their Family Leadership Institute this fall. The Wisconsin Family Leadership Institute (WiFLI) offers a leadership experience for families who have children with disabilities or special health care needs. Four sessions will focus on building leadership skills, group communication and facilitation, and working with a group to shape decisions.

Learn more here: https://familyvoiceswi.org/wifli-wisconsin-family-leadership-institute/

**WISCONSIN FAMILY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE**
Do you want to join an advisory committee, organize a local group or improve services and make a difference in your community? Then, WiFLI is for YOU!! This is a Family Voices leadership opportunity for parents/caregivers who have children ages 0 to 26.
https://familyvoiceswi.org/wifli-wisconsin-family-leadership-institute/