Southeastern Wisconsin Autistic Navigators (SWAN) is a program for adults on the Autism Spectrum which meets the first and third Wednesday of each month. Adults on the Spectrum who are able to self-regulate and independently participate in activities without the assistance of a caregiver are welcome to attend. This program is ideal for those looking to meet people, practice social skills and make connections with those in the adult Autism community.
This program is not intended to be therapy, but rather a safe space for adults to engage and make connections.
Beginning January 1, 2025, all SWAN members both current and new must be members of the Autism Society of SE WI. You must either have a current Family Membership OR become a member with an Adults on the Spectrum Membership. Adults on the Spectrum Memberships cost $20 annually and include receiving our email newsletter, updates on program/workshop invitations first, access to Members Only events for you plus one guest, and can be paid for with your IRIS funds or other waivers. These benefits are in addition to the program’s standard in-person meetings twice a month, virtual meetings once a month, AOS Professional meetings periodically, as well as quarterly events in the community.
If you need additional financial assistance for membership, please contact DeAnna Thomas at deanna@assew.org 414-988-1262
Join or Renew Your Membership Today!
SWAN is facilitated by DeAnna Thomas and Becky Aten.
DeAnna Thomas has been a special education teacher for ten years with a degree in English Literature and film studies. After having her two daughters DeAnna returned to school for her special education license. She has years of experience working with children and young adults with Autism.
Becky Aten (she/they) is an openly Autistic & ADHD human resources professional, yoga teacher, neurodiversity advocate, nature-lover, and self-identified nerd. With 18 years of experience working in mental health recovery spaces, Becky is passionate about cultivating welcoming, mindful, neurodiversity-affirming environments that are body-neutral, and honor each individual’s experiences and intersecting identities.
SE WI Autistic Navigators
In person meetings – 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month
Virtual meetings – 2nd Wednesday of the month Please visit the Facebook group for the Zoom Meeting Access link and code.
If you are not a current member of the program, please fill out the registration form linked in the button below.
Or contact us at 414-988-1276 or swan@assew.org
Clicking the button above will open our SWAN Registration Form. Please complete and submit the form. You will also notice a box to indicate if you have been a past member of our SWAN group.
Once your form is received, a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible to talk about the registration or reestablishment process.
FAQs for SWAN Parents and Caregivers
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.