36th Annual Conference
Celebrating 36 Years of Connection
The Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin’s 36th Annual Conference, presented this year in partnership with the Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin, is the largest and longest running Autism-related conference in Wisconsin. The conference brings the Autism community together to learn, connect, and belong. It’s a place where Autistic adults, parents and family members, and professionals come to share experiences and learn together. We aim to facilitate a conference experience that empowers each person attending by connecting them to the resources and knowledge they need to live fully.
Celebrating Our 36th Annual Conference with #36!
We’re thrilled to announce that LeRoy Butler #36, Green Bay Packers legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer, will be a special guest at our conference.
In addition to impactful keynote speakers and breakout sessions, attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage with LeRoy Butler, gaining inspiration and connection from his story of resilience, advocacy, and teamwork. LeRoy will share his family’s journey into the world of Autism after the diagnosis of his son and share his experiences as a parent.
“This was my first time at this conference along with my husband, it was a wonderful experience. The individuals were very welcoming, inviting, and knowledgeable in all of the different programs.”
– 2024 Conference Participant
“This conference is the highlight of my teaching year, I’m so thankful for this opportunity to learn & meet others who want to do better for our autistic community.”
– 2023 Conference Participant
Keynote Speakers
Functional Executives: Working With Autistic Executive Dysfunction Using Communication & Mindfulness
This presentation will delve into the intricacies of autistic executive dysfunction, drawing from contemporary research and personal narratives. It will shed light on the subjective experience of executive dysfunction, exploring behavioral indicators such as avoidance and dysregulation. Practical insights will be offered for both those on the spectrum and those supporting individuals on the spectrum. Emphasis will be on recognizing executive dysfunction episodes and proactive strategies such as interoceptive mindfulness exercises, prioritization, and task breakdown. Communication using collaboration and compromise will be highlighted as effective solutions. Communication methods available to autistics enabling them to articulate needs related to sensory or mental overload will be explored.
Colleen McCluskey is an autistic educator currently working at Nicolet College in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. As a teacher and an individual on the Autistic Spectrum, she is a strong neurodiversity and disability advocate. Colleen recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC), having earned an English Master’s Degree. She currently holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB) and an Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree in Ethnic Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Marathon County (UWMC). She holds a Wisconsin Teaching License earned through the Professional Program in Education at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB).
Re-Framing Behavior: How Understanding Safety, Regulation and a Child’s Sensory Needs Can Help Us Shift From “Managing” Behavior to Improving It
This keynote address will re-frame what behavior is and provide a neurodiversity-affirming lens shift to truly understand why a behavior is occurring. Current advances in neuroscience have taught us so much about 1) how the brain works and 2) what kids need so they can feel safe, get regulated and be able to participate in everyday activities. This keynote will provide the reasoning and tools to help our neurodivergent kids thrive! Participants will learn how sensory processing impacts behavior and will understand how creating sensory safe environments can impact a child’s ability to meet expectations at home and in school. Attendees will be presented with new, evidence-based strategies that lead with curiosity, compassion and co-regulation to best support our neurodivergent kids.
Greg Santucci, MS, OTR, has been a Pediatric Occupational Therapist for over 25 years. He is the founding director of Power Play Pediatric Therapy and a Supervisor of Occupational Therapy at Children’s Specialized Hospital in New Jersey, where he serves on the Advisory Board of the Autism Center of Excellence. Greg is the creator of the Model of Child Engagement, a developmentally-informed approach to improving regulation and engagement in children of all levels of ability. He is certified in Sensory Integration and presents nationally and internationally on topics related to sensory processing, regulation and behavior. Greg recently received the Award of Merit from the NJ Occupational Therapy Association for his advocacy work promoting neurodiversity-affirming care, and his most important credential is that he’s the dad of two amazing teenage children.
More information coming soon!
Breakout Sessions
Stay tuned! Breakout sessions will be announced in early January.
Breakout sessions will take place Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5. Sessions are available on a first come, first served basis during the conference. We recommend picking a backup session for each timeslot in case your first choice is full.
Thursday, April 3rd
Welcome Reception
5:30—6:30 PM
Join us Thursday evening to kick off our 36th Annual Conference! All attendees and exhibitors are invited to join us for networking, hors d’oeuvres, and drinks in a relaxed and casual setting. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a 15-year veteran, this is a great opportunity to catch up with colleagues, make new friends, and create valuable connections. The reception will be followed by our opening keynote, Colleen McCluskey.
Friday, April 4th
Affiliate Networking Hour
5:00—6:00 PM
Join the Wisconsin Autism Society Affiliates for an hour of family-friendly games, activities, and networking!
Family Reception
Featuring Special Guest LeRoy Butler
6:00—7:00 PM
Autistic children and adults, along with their families are invited to join us for pizza and dessert, followed by a special appearance from LeRoy Butler, Former Green Bay Packers Safety. LeRoy will share his family’s journey into the world of Autism after the diagnosis of his son and share his experiences as a parent.
Talent Show
7:00—8:00 PM
Help us celebrate the diverse and many talents of those with autism during our annual talent show.
Interested in participating in the talent show? Due to limited space, participation is accepted on a first come, first serve basis. It is a requirement to provide a valid email upon registering, as you will be notified via email once your registration has been received. If capacity is reached you will be contacted and placed on the waiting list.
Each talent show participant is asked to limit their talent to 3-5 minutes (maximum).
Dance
8:00—9:00 PM
This is a time to have fun and unwind! Join us for a family friendly night of music and fun. The dance will begin directly after the talent show.
Saturday, April 5th
Raffle Drawing
11:30 am
Visit the raffle tables during the conference to get your tickets! All proceeds will benefit the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin. Winning tickets will be drawn at 11:30 am on Saturday.
Registration
Registration Deadline: March 7, 2025
The registration fee includes a light breakfast on Friday & Saturday morning. There is also a pizza buffet for families attending the conference on Friday evening. All other meals are on your own, lunches are not included. Registration fees do not include hotel accommodations.
Pay by Credit Card
Pay by Purchase Order, Check, or CLTS/IRIS Funding
Registration Rates
Autism Society Member
If you are a current dues paying member of an Autism Society affiliate you may register at this discounted rate.
You may join at any time and immediately receive the discounted member rate! Membership varies by county, please see the information below:
- Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin – If you live within the northern 53 counties in WI, please click here to purchase a membership with the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin.
- Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin – If you live within any of the following 10 counties, please click here to purchase a membership with the Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin: Crawford, Columbia, Dane, Grant, Green, Iowa, Lafayette, Richland, Rock, and Sauk.
- Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin – If you live within any of the following 9 counties, please click here to purchase a membership with the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, Dodge, Jefferson, Ozaukee, Walworth, and Washington.
Non-Member
This rate is for individuals who are not a member of the Autism Society.
Autistic Individual
This rate is for individuals on the autism spectrum.
If you are registering your child with autism for the conference, please keep in mind that the child needs to be at least 14 years of age, and accompanied by a support person, if needed.
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.
Cancellations & Transfers
Cancellation Policy
Written cancellation requests must be sent to alefevre@autismgreaterwi.org by March 7, 2025 and will be charged a $25.00 processing fee. Substitutions can be made at no cost. No refunds after Written cancellation requests must be sent to alefevre@autismgreaterwi.org by March 7, 2025 – no exceptions. A $30.00 fee will accompany any returned checks or denied charges.
Registration Transfers
If a registered attendee is unable to attend the conference their registration may be transferred to another person who is not already registered for the conference at the same institution or organization at no additional charge. Contact Amber at (920) 558-4600 or alefevre@autismgreaterwi.org to transfer your registration.
Scholarships
With the support of the Wispact Legacy Grant program, the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin will award 15 conference scholarships and travel stipends for Autistic adults to attend the 2025 Annual Conference.
Scholarship Details:
- Travel stipends are available in the amount of $320 per person, and may be used to cover the travel expenses of attending the conference like hotel costs, gas, and meal expenses. Those approved for a travel stipend will receive their stipend upon checking in to the conference.
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled – early application is strongly encouraged.
- Scholarships will be awarded on a first come, first served basis for eligible applicants.
- Preference will be given to applicants living in the service areas of the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin and the Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin (click here to view map of WI Affiliate service areas). Applicants living outside our service area will be placed on a waiting list and will be considered for any remaining scholarships.
Deadline to Apply: February 10, 2025
Continuing Education
Continuing Education Hours
ASGW will apply for Continuing Education Hours by the National Association of Social Workers, WI Chapter. If approved, CEHs will be provided for Social Workers, Counselors, and Marriage and Family Therapists. There will be no additional cost to receive CEHs. More information about potential CEHs will be released in January.
Certificates of Attendance
A general Certificate of Attendance will be available for all conference participants. Individualized Certificates of Attendance will be available by request.
Sponsorship, Exhibit, and Advertising Opportunities
Sponsoring, exhibiting, and advertising at the Annual Conference is a unique opportunity to engage with 1000 + members of the Autism community and promote your brand. Conference attendees come to the conference looking to gather resources and learn more about the wonderful organizations that support Autistic individuals and their families. Showcase your services through a sponsorship, exhibition, or advertising at our 2025 Annual Conference.
Deadline: March 3, 2025
Hotel + Travel Information
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Kalahari Resort. Book your reservations in advance; only a limited number of rooms are blocked at the following discounted rates:
- Thursday, 4/3 – $139
- Friday, 4/4 – $179
- Saturday, 4/5 – $199
Room reservation cutoff date is March 3, 2025; all unconfirmed rooms will then be released to the general public.
Important Information from the Kalahari
Per their policy, the Kalahari does not accept completed Credit Card Letter of Authorization forms, Tax Exemption forms, nor Purchase Orders at hotel check-in. They have a dedicated team that pre-approves these forms to ensure validity prior to check-in. These forms should be submitted no later than 7 days prior to check-in via email at wireservationssupport@kalahariresorts.com or fax 608-254-6116.
The Kalahari highly suggests attendees submit these forms at least two weeks in advance of check-in so their team can process them in a timely manner. Failure to follow this procedure may result in full room and tax charges to your personal card, since their Front Desk will not accept these forms at check-in. The Kalahari General Policy Page explains their policies in full detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the registration fee?
Registration includes access to the entire conference and most special events. Some special events require separate registration (see special events tab for more information).
A light breakfast will be provided for registered attendees on Friday and Saturday morning. All other meals will be on your own.
Registration fees do not include hotel accommodations.
Can I register for just one day?
We do not offer single day registration for the conference.
Is there a cancellation policy?
Written cancellation requests must be sent to alefevre@autismgreaterwi.org by March 7, 2025 and will be charged a $25.00 processing fee. Substitutions can be made at no cost. No refunds after March 7, 2025 – no exceptions. A $30.00 fee will accompany any returned checks or denied charges.
What is the cost of attendance?
There are different registration rates for different groups. The cost will also depend on when you register and whether you are part of a group registration. Registering early will ensure you receive the best rate. Please review the detailed descriptions under the Registration tab to help you understand what rate will be appropriate for you.
Are there any available funding sources/scholarships to cover the cost?
The Children’s Long Term Support Waiver may cover the cost of attending the conference as part of Consumer Education and Training category. We encourage families to check with their county caseworker about funding options. We also suggest that Autism Society members check with their local affiliate to ask about scholarship opportunities.
When is the deadline to register?
The deadline to register for the conference is March 7, 2025. Registrations will not be accepted after March 7th, no exceptions. Substitutions may be made at no cost.
How will I know I am registered?
An e-mail confirmation will be sent once your registration has been processed. If you do not receive an email confirmation, please contact us to ensure your registration was received. It is important that you provide an email on your registration. Important information, including access to handouts, will be emailed prior to the conference.
Do I need to pre-select the concurrent sessions I plan to attend at conference?
No, breakout sessions do not need to be pre-selected and are available on a first come, first served basis during the conference. We recommend picking a backup session for each timeslot in case your first choice is full.
Is child care available?
We are unable to offer childcare during the conference. Please keep in mind that children must be age 14 or older to register and attend the conference.
Are meals included?
A light breakfast will be provided for registered attendees on Friday and Saturday morning. All other meals will be on your own.
Can I bring my spouse/children?
Although attendees may bring family members to the hotel, only paid registrants wearing conference names badges will be permitted to attend conference sessions. The only exception is the Family Reception on Friday evening, in which family members may attend without being registered.
Can I receive continuing education credits for attending the conference?
ASGW will apply for Continuing Education Hours by the National Association of Social Workers, WI Chapter. If approved, CEHs will be provided for Social Workers, Counselors, and Marriage and Family Therapists. There will be no additional cost to receive CEHs. More information about potential CEHs will be released in February.
A general Certificate of Attendance will be available for all conference participants. Individualized Certificates of Attendance will be available by request.
Are sponsorship opportunities available?
Yes. We have several sponsorship levels, as well as exhibitor and advertisement opportunities. More information can be found here.
Can’t find an answer? Contact Amber LeFevre at 920-558-4600 or alefevre@autismgreaterwi.org