Southeastern Wisconsin Autistic Navigators (SWAN) is a program for adults on the Autism Spectrum which meets the first and third Wednesday of the month in person, and the 2nd Wednesday virtually on Zoom. 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.
SWAN is facilitated by DeAnna Thomas and Becky Aten. This group 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 Autism United of Wisconsin. 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 includes receiving our email newsletter, updates on program/workshop invitations first, access to Members Only events for you plus one guest, and may be payable via 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 Info@Autism-United.org or call 414.988.1260
Join or Renew Your Membership Today!
SWAN is facilitated by DeAnna Thomas and Becky Aten.
DeAnna Thomas was 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, young adults, and adults with Autism. DeAnna facilitates the in-person SWAN meetings.
Becky Aten (they/she) wears many hats in their work as a neurodiversity advocate, human resources professional, yoga facilitator, and a space-holder and bridge-builder for the neurodivergent community. As the founder of Yoga for Neurodiversity, she is passionate about co-creating welcoming, accessible, and affirming environments for self-exploration and community care, where diverse ways of being are seen and included. Becky is also a nature-lover and ecological restoration volunteer, and in their free time Becky enjoys hiking, petting moss, nerding out with science and sci-fi, and playing tabletop games.
Becky is a late-diagnosed autistic person and has been a proud member of SWAN (Southeastern Wisconsin Autistic Navigators) since 2021, and group facilitator since 2022. Becky facilitates the virtual SWAN meetings.
SWAN MEETINGS:
In-person Meetings – 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month
(**Please note: beginning Jan 2027, SWAN will meet in-person on the 1st Wednesday of the month only)
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 414-988-1260 or info@autism-united.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 childcare provided.
