Our TreASures, Inc.
An Autism Spectrum Support Network
Please Join Us For In-Person Coffee With Cathy Gatherings!
The purpose of Coffee with Cathy 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.
Cathy is a mother of three adult sons with two on the autism spectrum. She is also an autism technician, a special education paraprofessional, and has dedicated over 10 years to providing autism awareness and supporting families impacted by ASD and related conditions (e.g., Asperger's Syndrome, PDD/PDD-NOS, ADHD, OCD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, etc.). If you are looking to connect with others who are on a similar journey, please join us!**
If there is a need for a support group in your neighborhood (in Southeast Wisconsin), or if you have suggestions for discussion topics or (free) places to meet, please contact Cathy at info@ourtreasures.net.
We'd also love to hear if Coffee with Cathy has inspired you to have your own personal/family discussion or start your own group. Please feel free to share your experiences and pictures for us to share and celebrate with you!
2024 EVENT SCHEDULE
CWC - Saturday, January 13th at 10:00am / CANCELLED
Due to weather conditions, we have cancelled this meeting. Stay safe and warm!
CWC - Saturday, February 10th at 10:00am / Corner Bakery Cafe - Wauwatosa
Suggested Discussion Topic: Caregiver Burnout
As we look ahead to 2024, let's take some time to think of ways we can prevent caregiver burnout. Please join us as we share our experiences and favorite self-care ideas. For some helpful ideas and/or to help guide your own group or family discussion, check out this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWc6oGpC9es
CWC - Saturday, February 24th at 10:00am / Loca Latte - Sussex
As we look for more opportunities to bring people together, we'd like to extend a special welcome to Hamilton School District parents. During this first meeting, we will focus on getting to know each other as well as confirm which day/location works best for future gatherings. All are welcome!
CWC - Saturday, March 9th at 10:00am / Corner Bakery Cafe - Wauwatosa
Suggested Discussion Topic: Sensory Integration
Many autistic individuals have unique sensory needs. 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:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFEKXxq3Tb8
Panel Discussion - Saturday, March 16th at 10:00am / Immanuel Church - Brookfield
4250 N 137th St, Brookfield, WI 53005
Human Resource Perspectives Panel: Job Search, Interviewing & Employee Tips for Neurodivergent Adults
A panel of hiring professionals will share tips for neurodivergent adults on their quest for the right job and career advancement. Bring your questions for a comfortable chance to learn tactics that could better your life. Hiring professionals, come learn how you can tap into a pool of fantastic team members.
CWC - Saturday, March 23rd at 10:00am / Fiddleheads Coffee - Menomonee Falls
New Location!
Please join us as we develop a new group in the Menomonee Falls/Sussex area.
CWC - Saturday, April 13th at 10:00am / Corner Bakery Cafe - 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:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6FavJnz4Js&list=PL7mS4ZE0Hf7T-Tqcw3crSiLjtgHFKd41T&index=3
CWC - Saturday, May 11th at 10:00am / Corner Bakery Cafe - Wauwatosa
Panel Discussion - Saturday, May 18th at 10:00am / Immanuel Church - Brookfield
4250 N. 1337th Street, Brookfield, WI 53005
Adult Autistics Panel: What I Wish My Parents Had Known
A panel of neurodivergent adults will answer questions and share their personal experiences with what has helped them and what has hurt them. Join us for a comfortable chance to learn how to make things better in the life of your neurodivergent child, students, clients and friends.
CWC - Saturday, June 8th at 10:00am / Corner Bakery Cafe - Wauwatosa
CWC - Saturday, July 13th at 10:00am / Corner Bakery Cafe - Wauwatosa
CWC - Saturday, August 24th at 10:00am / Corner Bakery Cafe - Wauwatosa
CWC - Saturday, September 14th at 10:00am / Corner Bakery Cafe - Wauwatosa
CWC - Saturday, October 12th at 10:00am / Corner Bakery Cafe - Wauwatosa
CWC - Saturday, November 9th at 10:00am / Corner Bakery Cafe - Wauwatosa
No Coffee with Cathy in December due to the holidays.
**Please note that although we make a conscious effort to meet outside and socially distance during in-person gatherings, we cannot guarantee non-transmission of Covid-19. Please join in-person gatherings as you feel comfortable and at your own risk.