Governor Tony Evers declared 2023 to be the Year of Mental Health. The Southern Regional Center would like to use this Autism Acceptance Month to highlight the intersection of the many aspects of Autism with the many aspects of Mental Health. All Conversations on Showing Up for Kids! are free. The Autism and Suicide event is free. You do need to register to receive the Zoom link. All gatherings are on line. If you have any questions, please email cyshcn@waisman.wisc.edu.
Most Conversations take place on Wednesdays from 12:00-12:45 but we have so many you will need to check dates and times!
“I am
different, not less”
Dr. Temple Grandin – Professor of Animal Husbandry, Colorado State University.
“Being an autistic woman is about who I am – a human being who IS, who CAN and who DOES – measured by living a full life in her own way in this world.”
Judy Endow, LCSW, author and international speaker on a variety of autism-related topics, has written numerous articles and books, including award winners: Learning the Hidden Curriculum: The Odyssey of One Autistic Adult and Paper Words and Discovering and Living with My Autism.
Connecting the Dots . . . How Diagnosis Impacts Mental Health
April 5, 2023
This conversation will focus on how learning about an autism diagnosis both can prevent and support the treatment of co-occurring mental health conditions. Mental health clinicians can use information from a diagnostic evaluation to support and adapt mental health intervention to best meet the needs of autistic individuals. We will be joined by Lindsay McCary, Director of Psychological Services at KGH Autism Services and Scientist/Teaching Faculty at UW-Madison. Part of Conversations on Showing Up for Kids!
Dignity Versus Internalized Shame
April 11, 2023
We will be joined by Scott Allen. Scott is on the Board of Directors of the Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin, is a therapist with Lifestance Health, and leader of the INTEGRAL Conference (Autistic Adults). Part of Conversations on Showing Up for Kids!
Relationships and Mental Health
April 12, 2023
What are some different types of relationships? What are barriers to forming relationships? How do relationships help with mental health challenges? What do we need to know? Come join the discussion with Madeline Barger and Alyssa Walsh. Madeline Barger, MS, LMFT, BCBA, AASECT-CST is a family therapist, behavior analyst, sex therapist, and relationship specialist working as a clinic lead for teens and adults at The Waisman Center and Founder of her private practice in Madison, Wisconsin. Alyssa Walsh, PhD, is a Licensed Psychologist with the Waisman Center. Part of Conversations on Showing Up for Kids!
What’s Not Working for Black and Brown Kids Around Autism?
April 18, 2023
Come join Brittany Neal, therapist and parent, to talk about how health inequities exist for black and brown kids and how those inequities impact the diagnosis and treatment of autism. Part of Conversations on Showing Up for Kids!
Risk Factors, Warning Signs, Crisis Supports and Suicide Prevention for the Autism Community
April 18, 2023
What are some considerations to take when assessing autistic people for suicide when using the warning signs for the general public? How can we communicate with and support autistic people in crisis? We welcome in Lisa Morgan. Lisa is a consultant specializing in crisis supports and suicide prevention for autistic people. Lisa is founder and co-chair of the Autism and Suicide committee at the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) and has developed several autism specific resources for communicating and supporting autistic people in crisis. A self-advocate with a passion for strengths-based solutions, Lisa has authored several books, articles, and resources all available on her website, www.autismcrisissupport.com. She is a community council member of AASET (Autistic Adults and other Stakeholders Engaged Together) a group of autistic adults informing autism research priorities. Lisa has a master’s degree in the Art of Teaching. She is a certified autism specialist, a peer reviewer of the online journal, Autism in Adulthood, and owner of Lisa Morgan Consulting LLC. She is currently pursuing her master’s of social work degree. Part of Conversations on Showing Up for Kids!
Resiliency in Neurodiversity
April 19, 2023
Join Haley Moss, Neurodiversity Expert, Attorney, Advocate, Thought Leader, Author, Speaker as we talk about how she has overcome barriers and other people’s doubt to thrive. In other words, what makes her resilient and how does she keep herself mentally healthy? Learn more at haleymoss.com. Part of Conversations on Showing Up for Kids!
Autism and Anxiety – Help!
April 25, 2023
Join Hunter Markle, a 25 year old autistic young man, as he talks about his life with autism, anxiety and depression. He wants to share how anxiety has impacted his life and how he keeps himself mentally healthy. He will be joined by his dad, Tim Markle. Part of Conversations on Showing Up for Kids!
An Introduction to Autism Mental Health and Well-Being
April 26, 2023
Mental health and wellness is important for all people. To support mental health and wellness for people with an autism diagnosis, it is important to understand their particular style of thinking and the way their brain handles information along with the impact of both environmental and other types of trauma. This conversation will introduce people to a 3-part series available from Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin. We will be joined by Judy Endow and Sharon Hammer. Judy Endow, LCSW, author and international speaker on a variety of autism-related topics, has written numerous articles and books, including award winners: Learning the Hidden Curriculum: The Odyssey of One Autistic Adult and Paper Words and Discovering and Living with My Autism. Sharon Hammer, MS, LPC is a Mental Health and Educational Consultant and a Licensed Professional Counselor. She has over 20-years of experience working with children and individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Sharon is a partner at Imagine a Child’s Capacity. Part of Conversations on Showing Up for Kids!
Making Connections through Autism Societies
April 27, 2023
Connections matter to mental health. Let’s talk about how the National Autism Society and the 3 Wisconsin Autism Society Affiliates build connections with each other and help families connect together. Part of Conversations on Showing Up for Kids!
Barriers Latine Families Face for Autism Services & what could help?
May 3, 2023
Anabell Ramos is a Doctoral Student in School Psychology at the UW-Madison. She is also on the team on Esperanza at the UW-Madison. Part of Conversations on Showing Up for Kids!
We sent flyers to over 100 libraries in our region to promote autism acceptance — #CelebrateDifferences ! If you spot the flyer or a display, send us a picture at cyshcn@waisman.wisc.edu.