(Madison, WI) – An event recognizing April as Autism Acceptance Month will take place on Thursday, April 2nd at 12:00 PM in the Assembly Parlor at the Wisconsin State Capitol.
The event is hosted by the Autism Society of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Autism Providers Association, and Autism United of Wisconsin. Representative Shelia Stubbs will offer remarks alongside a panel of Autistic speakers and family members to share their experiences and discuss policy issues impacting individuals with Autism across the state.
Autism Acceptance Day provides an opportunity to center the voices of the Autism community while fostering greater understanding, inclusion, and connection. Through storytelling and advocacy, speakers will offer meaningful insight into the lived experiences of Autistic individuals and their families, as well as the support needed to help them thrive.
As Wisconsin officially recognizes April as Autism Acceptance Month, this event marks the beginning of a broader statewide effort to move beyond awareness and toward true acceptance. By celebrating neurodiversity and encouraging inclusive practices in everyday life, communities can create environments where individuals with Autism are valued, supported, and empowered.
“We are proud to host Autism Acceptance Month this April at the Capitol,” said Kirsten Engel, Executive Director of the Autism Society of Wisconsin. “By elevating lived experiences, we seek to increase awareness, foster understanding, and strengthen community connections—empowering Autistic individuals and helping make Wisconsin a more inclusive place to live.”
“The Wisconsin Autism Provider Association (WAPA) applies the science of learning to expand inclusive opportunities for all,” said Dr. Rebecca Thompson, President of WAPA. “On Autism Acceptance Day, we invite everyone to join us in raising awareness and in celebrating the authentic differences in experience that enrich our communities.”
“At Autism United of Wisconsin, we are dedicated every day to enhancing the quality of life for children, teens, and adults on the autism spectrum, as well as for those who support and care for them,” said Julie Quigley, Executive Director of Autism United of Wisconsin. “We honor each individual’s unique needs, strengths, and goals, helping to build a foundation for a confident and meaningful future. On Autism Acceptance Day, we are proud to stand alongside organizations across the state that share our deep respect, optimism, and belief in the promise of every autistic individual.”
Community members, Autistic individuals, families, professionals, and advocates are encouraged to attend and be part of this important conversation as Wisconsin continues working toward a more inclusive future for all.
Autism Acceptance Day Schedule
Date: April 2, 2026
Location: Assembly Parlor – Wisconsin State Capitol
Time: Official presentation begins at noon
Speakers: Representative Shelia Stubbs, Autistic advocates
Contact: Julie Quigley, Executive Director, Autism United. julie@autism-united.org, 262-707-4204
About Autism United of Wisconsin:
Autism United of Wisconsin’s mission is to improve the quality of life for each child, teen and adult on the Autism Spectrum — as well as their families — while teaming with caregivers and educators to enhance every individual’s unique needs, skills and goals, providing a better life and brighter future for everyone impacted by Autism.
About the Wisconsin Autism Providers Association:
The Wisconsin Autism Providers Association (WAPA) is an industry association of providers of Autism treatment serving over 2,400 children in Wisconsin annually. Our mission is to provide access to quality treatment to ALL Wisconsin families impacted by Autism. WAPA member companies have over 2,500 employees in Wisconsin reaching children in over 55 counties with a significant presence in all major metropolitan and many rural areas
About the Autism Society of Wisconsin:
The Autism Society of Wisconsin is dedicated to improving the lives of all who are impacted by Autism by providing information, resources, and support, while raising awareness and acceptance in our community. We do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the Autism spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research, and advocacy.
Julie Quigley
Executive Director
Autism United of Wisconsin
3720 N. 124th Street
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53222
O: 414.988.1277
