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In the News

Senator Lieberman is pleased to honor the accomplishments of some of Connecticut's outstanding citizens, organizations, and schools.

Profiles

Senator Joe Lieberman and Donna Swanson at the FOCUS Alternative Learning Center

Senator Lieberman honored Donna Swanson, MSN, CS, APRN, Executive Director of FOCUS Alternative Learning Center, as one of "Joe's Heroes" for her development of new treatment methods for children dealing with autism. FOCUS is a supplementary education program designed specifically for children on the Aspergers/Autism spectrum.

In 1992, Donna started a private practice for children and adolescents specializing in individual, group, and family therapy. It was during the next eight years that she saw an increased need for children on the autism spectrum to have more intensive social interaction with their peers and developed a summer program that gradually evolved into what is now the FOCUS Alternative Learning Center. She says her work at FOCUS has been some of the hardest, yet best work in her life so far.

The primary objective of FOCUS is to provide a cost effective, community-based model of treatment that is the least restrictive to the child and his/her family. They utilize a collaborative approach that requires parents/guardians to take an active role in the implementation of their child's treatment plan. Staff members work closely with school systems, health professionals, and other service providers to assure that all the child's issues are being addressed appropriately and that realistic goals and objectives are established and monitored consistently. The treatment as administered by Donna, a nurse practitioner, and parents/guardians, extends beyond the doctor's office and is infused throughout the rest of their daily lives.

There are three basic components to Donna's program which, when utilized together, offer a holistic approach to treatment which children and families consistently attest to. These three components are Treatment, Collaboration and Mentorship. Together they provide a wrap around model of services addressing the many obstacles to growth and learning that special children are confronted with.

"The kids and families that are part of our "community" are so special and unique," said Donna. "Every day, they teach us so much about what they know and what it is like to be 'them.' The kids thrive in the program because it makes sense to them and they feel safe at FOCUS."