Tell us — what autism services do you need?
by Bob
Here at Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin we gather annually to discuss our current status as an organization, survey our community for unmet needs and develop plans for service expansion. This is a key dialogue within our agency management team. These discussions lead to new services — our Kenosha Adult Day Services program that opened in 2009 and our Autism services that will begin serving two children in one week through our new Applied Behavioral Analysis program are both results of the discussions we had last year. And this year is special: our recent merger with Waukesha Training Center means we now offer job placement and work opportunities.
Unfortunately, many times, with all we have going on and the limited resources of a non-profit, this is an internal discussion that carries our own thoughts, prejudices and personal interests. This blog allows me to reach beyond our walls and even our state to solicit ideas for services that can support individuals and families.
As a parent, family member or caregiver of someone living with autism or another disability, what are the needs you see in your area? What are some great programs or services we might consider bringing to Wisconsin? What programs or services are needed, not just for children, but adults?
Trust me, your input will be shared with a very talented, mission-driven team that will find a way to make it happen. Our team delivers. That’s why we feel fortunate to work at Easter Seals!
January 31st, 2010 at 4:01 pm
local play groups and peer groups and more social and fun group activities for the kids in their own towns.
January 30th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
Integrated recreational opportunities for adults. Transportation for weekends and evenings. Simple guides to guardianship and SSI/SSD. More autism support groups in underserved areas in Wisconsin. Low cost trainings, workshops, and conferences for families. More on the job training experiences in the community for high school students.
January 30th, 2010 at 11:19 am
Direct teaching hours, good therapists trained in developmental approach and ABA, ASD needs more than what the hours are available through schools. Thanks for asking!
January 29th, 2010 at 3:57 pm
Supported employment and educating job vendors about Autism.
January 29th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
Our family needs some providers for afterschool and summer help. Currently we are using respite for that. We could use a REAL break instead of using it for this purpose. It would nice to have some student OT’s, SLP’s or people who have experience with in home autism therapy.
It could also be helpful to have someone help with everyday stuff like, cooking, laundry etc. That way parents can devote more attention to their child’s needs.
My son is going to be getting a Communication device and it would be an excellent opportunity for a student to help and learn.
We could also use a special church service for kids with autism so that they can participate without being shunned by adults and kids.
January 27th, 2010 at 10:25 am
It is very refreshing to see that you are actively requesting input from families of children with ASD. I live near Peoria, Il, and I am forwarding this article to them, with hopes of getting more going in our area. Budget cuts have hurt us deeply. Thank you.
January 27th, 2010 at 3:07 am
We live in pennsylvania; my brothers are twins and have been going to a great day camp every summer, but apparently they are now too old to attend since they are now 22; we need better options for them for this; also, we need options for secondary education–i really want to start a school for adults with autism spectrum disorder to pursue educational goals after they finish primary education, but not sure how to get startd.
January 26th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Like Sandra,
I too believe I has Asperger’s. I have been offered by Kaiser to be evaluated, but have fought a diagnosis, because my 3 children (all boys) all HAVE AUTISM. It is such a struggle advocating and fighting for them, and I am afraid that if people find out I have ASD too, they will JUST STOP paying any attention to what I have to say.
I think that we need more for adults, because there are us out there, and our children will soon be adults too, and AUTISM does not go away…I’ve only learned how I can manage some things, and how to manage getting along with others.
January 26th, 2010 at 8:27 am
We need jobs suited to our special talents.
January 26th, 2010 at 12:35 am
I need assistance in purchasing a weighted blanket for my 3 year old Autistic son. I don’t have the money to purchase it but I found a place that will make one the way he needs it made at a reasonable price. So if you could help us it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank-You
January 25th, 2010 at 7:19 pm
Respite, respite, respite.