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FOCUS
Alternative Learning Center |
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Dear
Friends of FOCUS, Alex C.
began attending FOCUS in 2002 when he was nine years old. For a number of years now he has been writing letters about
his life with Autism. These letters
reflect his journey - a journey of growth, maturity and learning to live with
his disability. In 2005 Alex joined the FOCUS "Autism Spectrum Unplugged" Panel. The mission of the "Unplugged" Presentations is to increase awareness, provide hope and inspiration for those living with Autism Spectrum Disorders. This presentation also educates, informs and inspires families, teachers and health/mental health professionals on what life is like by listening to and interacting with children, adolescents and young adults on the Autism Spectrum. This experience has been a pivotal one for Alex, as he now speaks frequently on the Panel (where before he would just listen) and has come to appreciate the opportunity to "help other people when I talk about my Autism." Through
the diligence and support of an incredible family, a positive school environment
and the work he has done at FOCUS, Alex can now write the following letter: Dear
Parents and Friends, My name is Alex, and I'm a fourteen-year-old teenager with Autism. Life is full of little mysteries, isn't it? Autism is one of those mysteries. Sometimes I like my Autism, and sometimes I don't. When I was nine years old, I said I hated having Autism. People didn't understand me, but I didn't understand them either. It was like being stuck in a daydream. How would you like to live in a world where no one understands you? It's lonely and scary! You really don't have any friends. I'm glad that my days of being a little kid [and not having any friends] are finally over!
I was lucky because I had Mom and Dad and [my brother] Tom to help me. They found a school where the people understand me. They know how to make the hard classes easier for me. They know how to help me learn. I still have issues, and I work very hard on them every day. I can pace and use fidget toys and get help when I don't understand something. They keep the school small and quiet and friendly. There aren't any bullies there. Bullies can be a big problem for kids with Autism. Sometimes when you act different from other kids they make fun of you. They pick on you and laugh at you until you wish you were never born. It's like being stuck in a horrible nightmare! Everyone needs to have friends.
I go to my FOCUS program to make friends and have fun. The staff and kids at FOCUS understand me, and they like me
just the way I am. I like them just
the way they are, too. We learn how
to act like teenagers. It's OK to
make mistakes because everyone makes mistakes.
At FOCUS we can practice until we do the right thing. Now
I like having Autism because people understand me and know how to help.
My life is better, but every day I worry about growing up.
I don't know what I will do after I graduate from high school.
Who will help me in college or at work?
How will I be ready to live by myself or get married?
It's so much to worry about. Sincerely, FOCUS
worries too!
In response to these needs, FOCUS is developing a Young Adult Services
Program. Like our Extended Day
Treatment Program, this is a needs-based program.
We offer mentoring, lifeskills, job coaching, links to colleges, and help
in the transition to adulthood. This
Program also includes Therapeutic Supportive Housing.
We already have six young adults ready to make the transition now! But
we need your help! In order
to finance this new endeavor we need funds for rental and utility subsidies,
case management services, and clinical support. Please
help us develop a FOCUS Continuum of Care for Alex and all those affected
with Autism Spectrum
Disorders by mailing in your donation in the enclosed envelope today!
Sincerely, Click the button below to make a donation. We use Pay Pal for your safety and security. Focus Alternative Learning Center
is a nonprofit 501(c3). |
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