Programs & Workshops for Neurodivergent Students
Winter program registation is open and filling up fast! View our 2025 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..
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.
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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
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.
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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.
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: 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.
Features: Connection with peers and mentors • 1:1 or 2:1 pods guidance from a professional design mentor • Flexibility of online or in-person
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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.
Features: Connection with peers and mentors • 1:1 or 2:1 pods guidance from a professional design mentor • Flexibility of online or in-person
Academy Programs
The most rigorous IOB program, Digital Academy provides apprentice-style instruction in a product-based learning environment.
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Digital Academy: Quest
Quest is a new personalized learning program at Islands of Brilliance (IOB). Quest is an opportunity for advanced students to determine their learning path and make progress toward their goals within a community of other like-minded neurodivergent learners.
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
Are you fascinated by emerging technologies and looking to unleash your creative potential?
SideQuest offers creativity-focused labs tailor-made for daring invidiuals 14+ who have already proven their mettle by successfully completing IOB programming.
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
Introducing CollabQuest! Unique design experiences for neurodivergent individuals aged 14 and above in the IOB community. CollabQuests are project-based learning programs in partnership with other organizations, institutions, or corporations. Students work from a design brief with the guidance of an experienced Creative Technologist and subject matter experts.
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!
