Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin, Inc.

Our largest Fund-raiser and Autism Awareness event each year is Dylan’s Run to Indian Summer Festival. Participants can compete in the 2 mile timed run or untimed relaxed walk along the beautiful Lake Michigan shore and around Summerfest grounds. Admission includes before-run continental breakfast, children’s activities, warm-up, and afterwards there is a fruit buffet, award ceremonies for runners, awards for top fund-raisers, and free admission to Indian Summer Festival.

About 2/3 of our participants and 80% of the funds we raise come through teams.  Our walk is a little different in that everyone who registers gets a shirt, and teams who have at least 10 members and register by August 12th can have their own logo, message or photo printed on the back of the shirt.

I am not normally a t-shirt wearing person, but my Dylan’s Run t-shirts have a special meaning for me, and never end up in the bag for Goodwill.  They are steeped in memories of special days and the wonderful people we have been blessed to find on our journey with autism.

Team captains from last year should have gotten a package from us this week in the mail.  If you would like to be a part of our event on September 12th, more information is here. Money raised at Dylan’s Run stays in our community and supports our mission - providing operating money, program support, and our yearly research donation - helping families in Southeastern Wisconsin - right here, right now.

Dr. Deborah Fein of the University of Connecticut was the keynote speaker at the Snyder Conference at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin on November 21st, 2008. The day started with pediatric grand rounds, which was filled to standing room only. Dr. Fein addressed the crowd about the importance of screening toddlers for autism spectrum disorders, as is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Fein is one of the developers of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (MCHAT).

After the grand rounds, the Snyder Conference continued with input from pediatricians on the challenges of adding another screening requirement to busy pediatric practices, the fears some families face regarding autism and vaccinations, and the differences in providing care in urban and suburban practices. Other speakers included Dr. Richard Barthel from the Medical College of Wisconsin, Nissan Bar-Lev from CESA #7, Bill Murray and Julie Bryda from the state Department of Health and Family Services, and Emily Levine from the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin. At the end of the conference, Dr. Fein discussed research showing how some children make substantial progress through ABA therapy.

The ASSEW sponsored Dr. Fein’s visit to Milwaukee, using funds raised at Dylan’s Run. We are grateful to Dr. Richard Barthel and the planning team at Children’s Hospital for arranging this conference, bringing quality autism information to Southeastern Wisconsin.