A collaboration of Milwaukee nonprofits and advocacy groups will co-host the fifth annual Urban Autism Summit on Saturday, June 23, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Penfield Montessori Academy, 1441 N. 24th St. in Milwaukee.

The 2018 summit, “Leadership Throughout the Lifespan,” brings together people with autism, their family members, medical professionals and other service providers whose lives are touched by autism. It’s the result of close cooperation among parents, self-advocates and many agencies, including the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the Autism Society of Wisconsin, Penfield Montessori Academy, Milwaukee Public Schools, First Stage Children’s Theater, Wisconsin Early Autism Project, Marquette University and the Wisconsin LEND program, among many others. The planning is led by UWM School of Education Professor Elizabeth Drame, an expert in special education studies.

Many urban families lack affordable and consistent access to the autism support resources available in more affluent and medically well-served communities. The Urban Autism Summit is a unique offering because of its Milwaukee location. It draws a diverse and engaged group of attendees and presenters, while also featuring free activities for children and workshops designed to provide practical advice and resources for individuals of all ages.

Session highlights include:

— Men to Men roundtable

— Navigating the maze of services

— Transition resources for young adults with autism

–Coping with stress

— Post-secondary employment

For more information, contact:  Elizabeth Drame at erdrame@uwm.edu.