Mission & History

Through information sharing, mentoring support, and the delivery of evidence-based services, FEAT provides families with hope and guidance to help their children with autism reach their full potential .

The need for services is great; the Centers for Disease Control, CDC, estimates the current prevalence rate for autism is 1 in 88. The factors – environmental, biologic, and genetic – that may contribute to the likelihood of having an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are being studied. To date, there is no cure for ASDs, but the research does show early intervention treatment services can greatly improve a child’s development. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html

Serving as a demonstration site, FEAT offers clinical programming for young children that is rooted in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and it provides services to teens which emphasize the mastery of skills related to self-determination, self-advocacy, resilience, and independence. FEAT also engages with families to help them create effective in-home programs, navigate successfully through transitions, and meet with other parents who can offer guidance for the life journey of autism. Additionally, FEAT collaborates with local and national organizations to bring timely information to its members and it partners with other providers to deliver parent education and professional development services.

Directly responsive to the community, FEAT has flourished since it was conceived in 1996 by five pioneering families who shared a need. Today, nearly 2,000 members – clients, families, therapists, other health-related professionals, business partners, and friends – comprise our large caring community.