Programs & Workshops for Neurodivergent Students
Summer registation is open and filling up fast! View our 2026 schedule!
Rather than expect students to adapt to the environment, we created the ideal environment.
Magic. That’s what we believe our programming has created. If you have the opportunity to witness students in-action during workshops, you’ll see why. They’re sharing their unique voice, ideas, and creativity alongside peers that relate, understand, and motivate them. They’re part of a special environment, a one-in-a-million community.
Islands of Brilliance provides unique learning and social engagement opportunities for neurodiverse students. Our programming is rooted in art, design, and STEaM-based curriculum. Students have the chance to work on projects that help them grow their intrinsic capabilities and communication and technical skills while practicing critical social and emotional learning competencies in a supported environment.
Our programs are designed for neurodivergent learners, including those on the autism spectrum, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive profiles.
New to Islands of Brilliance? Our Concierge Approach is here to help!
We’re happy to answer any questions you might have. Whether you are interested in learning more about our distance learning programs, registering your student, or volunteering with us.
Jump to Our
Open Lab Programs
Our most frequent and accessible options, Open Lab Programs provide a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment for your child to learn, create, and connect.
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Doodle Lounge Daily Programming
For many of our Doodle Lounge students, having the opportunity to spend time with their fellow artists and creative companions is the highlight of their day. Which is pretty awesome considering these programs meet each weekday!
Features: Daily connection with peers • Students choose participation level and breakouts • Creativity • Flexibility of online
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IOB@
Where Neurodivergent Creativity Meets Milwaukee’s Best Destinations
With IOB@, we take the Islands of Brilliance experience beyond the studio classroom and into some of Milwaukee’s most exciting spaces. Each workshop immerses students in a unique environment…whether it’s a museum, zoo, or innovation lab…where they’ll explore, learn, and then create using creative programs like Procreate or Stop Motion Studio on an iPad.
Foundation Programs
Led by a certified educator, students are paired with a professional design mentor to learn technical software skills using various creative technologies and build social and emotional development skills.
Features: Connection with peers and mentors • 1:1 guidance from a professional design mentor • Flexibility of online or in-person
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Foundation: Illustration & Design
Discover your creative potential while working 1:1 with a creative mentor! Students gain confidence by exploring the basics of Procreate, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator to bring their unique ideas, passions, and SpIns (Special Interests) to life.
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Foundation: 3D Modeling
Step into the world of 3D with Foundation Programming: 3D Modeling! Whether working 1:1 with a mentor or in small pods of 2:1, students explore Blender’s tools and features to create digital models and environments inspired by their SpIns.
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Foundation: Animation & Media
Unlock the magic of movement in Animation & Media! This workshop allows students to work 1:1 with a mentor or in small pods of 2:1, learning animation basics in Procreate, Adobe Express, and Adobe Photoshop to tell their own unique stories.
Academy Programs
Project-based learning for neurodivergent creatives ages 14+ who are ready to take ownership of their learning and grow alongside a creative community.
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Digital Academy: Quest
Go deep on a project that matters to you.
An online program for participants who want to take on a personal creative project with structure, accountability, and peer support.
Features: Advanced learners can choose their own path • Connection to a creative neurodivergent community • Flexibility of online • Flexible program duration
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Digital Academy: SideQuests
Build skills, explore tools, and level up.
Short, focused learning experiences for participants who want to build skills and explore new creative tools.
Features: Develop new skills • Guided by highly-skilled Creative Technologists • Hybrid format gives time for connection AND flexible growth
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Digital Academy: CollabQuest
Real projects, real experience in real-world creative environments.
An in-person program connecting creative learning to real-world professional environments.
Features: Real-world, hands-on creative project • Hybrid format • Connection through collaborative teamwork
Community Support Programs
Whether you’re a young adult living with autism or is someone who loves and supports them, we know life can be challenging. Our Community Support programs provide professional and peer guidance to help along the journey.
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Brilliant Breakfast Club
Older students are invited to hang out with us for a social experience and peer discussion designed to foster pathways and build daily living skills for future independence.
Features: Connection to community of peers • Hybrid format for consistent connection and in-person outings • Promotes independence
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The Fellowship
An opportunity for neurodiverse teens and young adults (aged 16 through early 30s) to gather for creative arts-based activities and guided discussions. The Fellowship meets in-person in: Eau Claire, Rice Lake, LaCrosse, Viroqua, Wausau, and Tomahawk.
Features: Connection to community of peers • Promotes independence and creativity
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Brilliant Connections
A collaboration with Milwaukee’s St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care, Islands of Brilliance, and Mount Mary University Occupational Therapy program.
Features: Connection to greater community • Citizenship • Understanding of strengths and talents
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Brilliant Mornings
We get it. Being a parent or caregiver of a neurodivergent child can leave you feeling isolated. You may have problems finding resources or are unsure of how to navigate services. There seems to be no playbook. Or you may have the feeling that no one "gets it."
Features: Supportive community • Moderated by experienced staff • Flexible, some when you can!
