Milwaukee nonprofit to offer free program for Wausau area kids on autism spectrum

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - Islands of Brilliance, a Milwaukee-based nonprofit that teaches children and young adults on the autism spectrum creative skills, is offering a free community program called “The Fellowship” to bring together neurodiverse teens and young adults in the Wausau area.

The Fellowship begins on Feb. 5 and will be held in person every Monday from 6 - 7 p.m. at the Center for Visual Arts in Wausau.

The weekly, 60-minute sessions run from February through September and will be led by a local educator and artist who have been hired and trained by IOB. Many of the ‘Brilliant Fellows’ identify as neurodivergent and have close ties to the autism community.

To ensure individual attention, each community fellowship is limited to 10 participants.

The classes couple a creative hands-on activity with a technology component that helps students express themselves and encourages them to develop positive interaction skills. In addition, attendees will establish connections with peers and mentors in their community, which can help address the isolation that neurodiverse teens and young adults often face.

“Our curriculum matches each student’s special interests with creative-driven projects,” Dr. Kate Siekman, director of learning and outcomes for IOB said. “We then introduce topic-based discussions that encourage participants to reflect on their unique life experiences in a supportive network of peers.”

Funding for the program came through a Wisconsin Department of Health Services grant using American Rescue Plan Act money.

Interested participants can connect with IOB at www.islandsofbrilliance.org or call 262-224-4230.