What kinds of resources are available in Wisconsin for children with developmental disabilities, their families, and the professionals who serve them?

Wisconsin promotes CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early. campaign in an effort to raise awareness about developmental milestones and the importance of screening and early intervention. Visit www.ActEarly.wisc.edu for more information.

Wisconsin Regional Centers for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) provide confidential information, referral and follow-up so all families of children and youth with special health care needs and providers have access to complete and accurate information. The Regional Center staff regularly provides training related to early identification, autism, developmental screening, and community-based resources. To find out what is available in your area, visit www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/health/children/overview/index.htm.

Finding Your Way: A Navigation Guide for Wisconsin Families Who Have Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs and Disabilities is another valuable resource that provides brief descriptions of programs, services and systems of support available in Wisconsin. You can download the booklet at www.waisman.wisc.edu/cedd/pdfs/findingyourway.pdf.

Wisconsin First Step is a 24-hour hotline and searchable online database for families and providers who support the needs of children and youth with special needs: call 1-800-642-7837 or visit www.mch-hotlines.org.

Autism                                       

Autism Societies                        

There are autism societies around the state to provide support, resources, and education for those affected by ASDs. The following is a list of some of the chapters in Wisconsin.  

Autism Society of Wisconsin: http://www.asw4autism.org/

Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin: http://www.assew.org/

Autism Society of Northeast Wisconsin: http://www.asnew.org/

Autism Society of Greater Madison: http://autismmadison.org/

Autism Society of Central Wisconsin: http://www.wausau.k12.wi.us/east/Student%20Files/Autism/Autism.htm

Autism Society of Fox Valley: http://www.focol.org/asfv/

Autism Society of the Lakeshore: http://autismlakeshore.org/

Chippewa Valley Autism Society: http://cvaswi.webs.com/

Cerebral  Palsy

Resources

United Cerebral Palsy: http://www.ucp.org/

Reaching for the Stars: http://www.reachingforthestars.org/

United Cerebral Palsy of Southeastern Wisconsin: http://www.ucpsew.org/

United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin: http://affnet.ucp.org/ucp_local.cfm/156

Cerebral Palsy, Inc.: http://www.cp-center.org/resources/