Life on the Spectrum - The FOCUS Spectrum Unplugged

Dispelling Preconceptions about Autism

Recently FOCUS Spectrum Unplugged presented a panel at SEPTO in Willington.  The mission of the unplugged panels is to help give people a greater understanding of what it is like for families on the Spectrum.  Since 2004 and with over 100 presentations under their belt the FOCUS “panel of experts” has wowed educators, students, service providers, business and community groups all over Connecticut and Massachusetts. This panel consists of current FOCUS students, alumni and staff who are all on the Autism Spectrum. Led by Donna Swanson our FOCUS Executive Director the panel is an open and honest discussion about what life with autism is really like. Panel members clearly describe their school experiences, their difficulty with relationships and their feelings of isolation and loneliness. They are also quick to relate to educators’ and service providers which approaches and techniques worked and which did not. The panel is always enthusiastically received and is responsible for providing awareness and hope to thousands of children and families and for raising the consciousness of many concerning this growing disorder.

Yesterday the FOCUS Spectrum Unplugged spoke at the SEPTO in Willington. It was a very long day but we love to be together. The audience was so attentive and interactive. The panel was the same members as last year as were some of the attendees who could not believe the changes and growth in the panel. What impresses me the most is not only their growth but the fact that this growth is apparent and happening at the same time that each panel member is going through some very difficult life changes. The message here is there is hope even when life throws us a curve ball if we are surrounded by support and people who believe in us. So proud of all of FOCUS..kids, families and staff..WE MAKE THIS HAPPEN TOGETHER! Donna Swanson, founder and executive director.

Success SEPTO is to works within our local communities to encourage school districts, legislators, and families to work together. The organization strives to understand, support, and enhance education, and provide greater opportunities for children with special needs. They serve Ashford, Mansfield, Stafford, Tolland, Willington and other surrounding towns in Northeast Connecticut.

FOCUS Center for Autism is a grassroots, community-based nonprofit whose mission is helping children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders achieve their full potential. FOCUS Center for Autism became a non-profit organization in 2000. It began as an after-school program and a camp in the summers for children and adolescents on the Autism Spectrum and, is now an intensive and growing clinical continuum of care. In 2009 FOCUS expanded its Extended Day Treatment Program to include the morning hours and to offer a Clinical Education Program that targets children who are having a difficult experience in their traditional school setting. This program coupled with our After School Program offers a comprehensive clinical model that promotes social, emotional and academic growth. The FOCUS Extended Day Treatment Program has developed into a well respected community-based model of treatment that has now served over 500 children.