FOCUS Center for Autism

(Formerly FOCUS Alternative Learning Center)


Providing Milieu Therapy-based programs for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders,

and offering family support and community education.

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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 CenterSenator 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."

Article from Senator Lieberman's website, Explore Connecticut, Connecticut's Best;
http://lieberman.senate.gov/explore/ctbest/profiles/swanson.cfm 

 

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FOCUS Center for Autism is a nonprofit 501(c3). 
All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

FOCUS Center for Autism, Inc. admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.  It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of the educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.


FOCUS Center for Autism, Inc.
PO BOX 452 ~ 126 Dowd Avenue
Canton, CT 06019
Tel: 860-693-8809 Fax: 860-693-0141
email: info@focuscenterforautism.org
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