Please Join Us For Coffee with Cathy!
The purpose of Coffee with Cathy gatherings is to create opportunities for discussions to take place that encourage those raising or working with autistic and other neurodivergent individuals (or those wanting to know more about them) to have deeper conversations while providing support and community in a fun and relaxed environment. If you are looking to connect with others who understand your journey, please join us! If you are not able to join Cathy in person, suggested discussion topics and videos are available for you to use for your own discussions or support group. If you have any questions for Cathy to answer on a video post or discussion topic suggestions, please submit them to info@ourtreasures.net.
Cathy is a mother of three adult neurodivergent sons with two on the autism spectrum. She is also an Autism Technician, Special Education Paraprofessional, and as Executive Director/Co-Founder of Our TreASures, Inc., has dedicated over 15 years to providing autism awareness, education, and support for families impacted by ASD, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions. Through sharing her personal and professional experiences with others, she hopes to provide support and helpful strategies to those who need it while helping to promote a more neuro-inclusive society.
2025 EVENT SCHEDULE
We have a variety of FREE community events along with discussion topics to keep you learning, engaging, and connecting!
Saturday, January 11th at 10:00am - Coffee with Cathy
Corner Bakery Cafe - 11500 W Burleigh St Ste 102, Wauwatosa
Suggested Discussion Topic: Planning for the New Year
Happy New Year!! Please join us as we reflect on the challenges and triumphs of 2024 and how we plan to make 2025 our best year yet! We will also be discussing future meetings for the year, so please come with your questions and feedback. If you are not able to attend, please complete the survey below to help us best utilize Coffee with Cathy in order to provide support and resources to parents/caregivers/loved ones of autistic, ADHD, and other neurodivergent children and adults.
Saturday, February 8th at 10:00am - Coffee with Cathy
Corner Bakery Cafe - 11500 W Burleigh St Ste 102, Wauwatosa
Suggested Discussion Topic: Sensory Integration
When we think of our senses, we typically identify with 5 (taste, touch, hearing, smell, and sight), but our bodies have many sensory systems and there are additional systems that may be impacted by ASD. Join us as we share our experiences with raising a child with sensory processing differences as well as any tips and strategies we've learned to help prevent overwhelm and/or undesired behaviors associated with sensory needs. Check out this video if you'd like to learn more about sensory integration or to help guide your own discussion:
Wednesday, March 5th at 6:30pm - Community Connections - Autism Register Here
Trinity Episcopal Church, 1717 Church Street, Wauwatosa (please enter through parking lot doors)
This will be an opportunity for members of the Autism community to engage with Rep. Robyn Vining and other elected officials. Among the topics that will be discussed are Badgercare administrative rules, state support for public transportation, housing concerns, education funding for students with IEPs, job training and support programs, and more!
Saturday, April 12th at 10:00am - Autism 101 Presentation Register Here
Immanuel Baptist Church, 4250 N. 137th Street, Brookfield
If you are a parent/caregiver or someone who works with an autistic individual and would like to know more about Autism Spectrum Disorder, please attend this FREE presentation offered to the community. We will cover the diagnostic criteria for ASD in simple language, learn about the positive attributes and strengths associated with autism, dispel common autism myths, and provide practical strategies to help support your autistic friends' and loved ones' unique needs.
Saturday, May 10th at 1:00pm - Interviewing and Employment Panel Register Here
Immanuel Baptist Church - 4250 N. 137th Street, Brookfield
Last year's event was a hit, so we are offering it again! Please join our panel of professionals who will share tips for neurodivergent adults on their quest for the right job and career advancement. This year, our panelists include a Human Resource Specialist, college placement expert, and representative of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Saturday, June 14th at 10:00am - Coffee with Cathy
Corner Bakery Cafe in Wauwatosa
Suggested Discussion Topic: - Self-Stimulatory Behaviors (Stimming)
Behaviors such as repetitive rocking, hand flapping, and spinning are typically referred to as “stimming” and typically associated with autism spectrum disorder. However, there are many people without autism who “stim” and there are many different stimming behaviors. So, how is autism stimming different? What if the behaviors are considered inappropriate, dangerous, or self-harming? Join us as we share our experiences with raising a child with self-stimulatory behaviors and also take a closer look at our own repetitive behaviors. To learn more about self-stimulatory behaviors, or to guide your own discussion, please watch this video:
Wednesday, July 9th at 6:00pm - Virtual Support Group for Parents with ASD Adult Children
If you are a parent/caregiver/loved one of an adult autistic or neurodivergent individual and would like to connect with others who understand what you are going through, please join us. This will be a time to ask questions, share our experiences and resources, and just spend time in a safe and relaxed environment filled with understanding, compassion, and support.
Please click the link below to register and receive the Zoom link:
Register Here
Saturday, July 12th at 10:00am - Adulting on the Spectrum: Panel Discussion Register Here
Wauwatosa Library, Firefly Room - 7635 W. North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI
Join us as our panelists share how they navigate "adulting" by sharing tips, tricks, and tools to manage life on the spectrum in a neurotypically dictated world.
Saturday, August 2nd at 10:00am - Executive Functioning 101 Presentation Register Here
West Allis Library, Constitution Room, 7421 W. National Avenue, West Allis
Executive function challenges are typically associated with ADD/ADHD, however, many individuals have difficulty staying focused, getting tasks completed, controlling impulses, and managing their emotions. This presentation is FREE to the community, designed to familiarize you with various executive function skills, and provide practical strategies to help support individuals who struggle with executive dysfunction. If you are an educator, parent/guardian of school-aged children, or if you struggle with executive functioning, please do not miss this event!
Wednesday, August 6th at 6:00pm - Virtual Coffee with CathyRegister Here
(Zoom link will be provided upon registration completion)
Discussion Topic: Socializing with AI Companion Apps
AI companion apps are increasing in popularity, allowing users to engage in online interactions with AI-generated personas. Many autistic and other neurodivergent individuals have difficulty with communication and social skills, so are AI companion apps the way to “engage in social interaction in a safe environment”? Many parents have questions about the pros, cons, and safety of this new way of social interaction, so, we’re going to talk about it!
If you (or your child) are someone who uses an AI companion app(s), please consider completing this short survey to help guide our discussion.
Wednesday, September 3rd at 6:00pm - Virtual Coffee with Cathy
(Zoom link will be provided upon registration completion)
Discussion Topic: Parenting Autistic/Neurodivergent Adults
Our job as parents/caregivers is never over. As our children become adults, their needs and challenges just change, and as those who love and support them, we need to adjust. How do we continue to provide support and assistance while still helping them to develop and move towards independence? If independence is not an option, how do we help our adult children live meaningful, productive lives at their fullest potential? Please join us as we share our questions, experiences, resources, and insight.
Register Here
Saturday, September 13th at 10:00am - Coffee with Cathy
Corner Bakery Cafe - 11500 W Burleigh St Ste 102, Wauwatosa
Suggested Discussion Topic - IEP vs 504 Plans
As we begin another school year, let's take some time to talk about special education services and other supports for our school-aged children. If your child has a medical, developmental, or mental impairment that impacts their ability to learn or participate in the regular classroom environment, chances are they may need an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan. Please join us as we share our experiences, knowledge, and tips on how to make your child's special education process successful. If you'd like to start your own discussion, or would like to learn the difference between an IEP and 504 plan, please watch the video below:
Saturday, October 11th at 10:00am - Coffee with Cathy
Corner Bakery Cafe - 11500 W Burleigh St Ste 102, Wauwatosa
Suggested Discussion Topic - Managing the holidays
The holiday season is supposed to be fun and festive, but for many, it can be hectic and stressful. How about the holidays for a family with an autistic child? Consider planning a holiday meal with a child who doesn't eat any of the traditional food. How about participating in family gatherings with a child who has sensory processing differences or difficulty with unpredictability or emotional regulation? Please join us as we discuss our holiday traditions and what we do to help our family have a Happy Holiday Season!
Saturday, November 8th at 1:00pm - Anxiety Tips, Tricks and Tools Register Here
Trinity Episcopal Church, 1717 Church Street, Wauwatosa
Join us to learn methods for recognizing anxiety early and how to better manage overwhelming emotions. We will also learn how to set boundaries and hold our emotional space with the coming holiday/gathering season. Led by Renee Genin, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and therapist to many neurodivergent adults.
There will be no gatherings during December due to the holidays.
Our TreASures, Inc.
An Autism Spectrum Support Network