FOCUS Center for Autism

04/29/2026

Our clinical approach at FOCUS helps us create a positive and safe environment that allows relationships to develop, helping us understand how to best meet the needs of those we work with, with dignity and respect.

Our goal is to provide positive coping skills and tools to allow all individuals who walk through our doors the ability to reach their full potential.

04/27/2026

We’re excited to share that another FOCUS Autism Spectrum Unplugged panel presentation is coming up at the Canton Community Center. These panels are always a powerful opportunity for people to hear directly from autistic adults about their experiences, perspectives, and what has helped them along the way. Our panelists are thoughtful, honest, and open in the way they share, and it always leads to meaningful conversations and great questions from the audience.

The presentation will cover topics like what supports really make a difference, the importance of relationships, anxiety management and the Circle of Anxiety, and understanding sensory and processing needs. It’s a great chance for community members, educators, and families to learn more and gain a deeper understanding of autism. The event is free and open to the public on April 29th.

There will also be a second presentation on May 13th for parents and guardians, which will include a panel of parents. Both will take place from 6:00–7:30 PM at the Canton Community Center. We hope to see you there!

04/24/2026

We are very proud of Jesse and the progress he has made, and it’s great to see how connections like this reflect the kind of continuum of care we strive to provide at the FOCUS Center for Autism. Jesse has been receiving supports through the Autism Waiver for over two and a half years with DSS Autism Case Manager Meg Escanio, and during that time he has continued to grow in his confidence and independence in many areas of his life. From becoming comfortable using public transportation to building success at work, it has been great to see the progress he has made and the positive impact these supports have had.

DSS Autism Case Manager Meg Escanio and Jesse Cochran, a waiver participant, celebrated Autism Awareness and Acceptance Day with members of the FOCUS Center for Autism. Jesse participated in an educational panel presentation for middle school students called “FOCUS Autism Spectrum Unplugged." The panel provided information to the students, further educating them on Autism, speaking personally about their individual stories living with Autism and how it has impacted their lives both positively and negatively.

Cochran, has been actively receiving supports through the Autism Waiver for over two and a half years now. In his own words, he feels that the Autism Waiver has “provided emotional support, helped to learn how to use public transportation and to become comfortable with it, to be success at work, and has helped to build on my overall independence.”

For more information about The FOCUS Center for Autism, and to learn more about their mission and services, they can be contacted at info@focuscenterforautism.org

04/22/2026

In honor of Earth Day, one of the residents at Washington House took part in a local neighborhood clean up with a few staff members. They grabbed some gloves and bags and headed out to help pick up litter around the area. It was a simple way to give back, spend time together, and do something positive for the community and the environment. It is also great for our residents to feel connected to the community!

04/20/2026

Recent community outings for residents of Washington House, within the Therapeutic Supportive Housing Program, focused on creating opportunities for connection, celebration, and positive group engagement beyond the residence.

One outing brought residents together for a hibachi dinner in celebration of one of the group members’ birthdays. They enjoyed honoring him while taking part in the engaging and interactive dining experience. The lively atmosphere encouraged conversation and laughter.

The second outing involved axe throwing, where competition met skill in an exciting and structured environment. They challenged themselves and one another while practicing focus, coordination, and sportsmanship. The outing also included a game of pool, allowing residents to continue socializing through friendly competition in a relaxed setting.

Together, these experiences promoted social skills, confidence, and peer support while offering enjoyable ways to engage with one another in the community.

04/17/2026

We didn’t get a full April break at the Fresh Start School this year because of all the snow days, so students came in for the last 2 days of this week. Since it would normally be break time, we focused more on social activities and making the days enjoyable.

Students tried out some new board games, played a few old favorites, worked on art projects, and even went bowling. It gave everyone a chance to relax a bit, spend time together, and just enjoy the activities.

Most importantly, it was nice to see the students come in during what would usually be their break with great attitudes and really have fun being around each other.

04/15/2026

A reminder that Lost Acres Orchard is participating in our April Autism Sweets Fundraiser.

They are donating 25% of the sales of their gingersnap cookies to benefit the Fresh Start School. These cookies are a favorite and it’s a great way to enjoy something sweet while also supporting a meaningful cause. They were also a hit during our Easter celebration last week!

Participating places are donating a portion of select menu items throughout the event, and we are grateful to Lost Acres for being part of it. If you stop by and pick up a bag of their gingersnap cookies, you’ll be helping support the students at the Fresh Start School at the same time.

04/13/2026

Our first panel of the year took place at McAlister Intermediate School in Suffield, CT and it was a great experience all around. The students in the audience were attentive and respectful, and the staff made us feel very welcome from the moment we arrived. Our panelists were able to share their stories and the students asked some really thoughtful questions.

At the end, when we opened it up for appreciations, we didn’t even get to hear them all because it felt like every student in the room had their hand up. Moments like that really mean a lot to our panelists.

We were also excited to have a panelist join us who hadn’t been on the panel in over 10 years. After everything wrapped up, we celebrated with lunch appreciated our wonderful experience and making a difference. We’re very thankful for the experience and for the staff who helped set everything up. Opportunities like this remind us how grateful we are to be able to share our stories and spread awareness, which hopefully leads to acceptance and the students at MacAlisister let us know exactly that!

04/10/2026

Last week we had another visit from the team at Goodwin University and their Mobile Manufacturing Lab. Our students continued working on their wooden cars, picking up right where they left off from last month.

This time our middle school students were also able to join in, and they absolutely loved it. Everyone did a terrific job with the different activities and had a lot of fun along the way. It’s always great to see the smiles these visits bring. We are very grateful for this partnership and the opportunities it gives our students!

04/08/2026

FOCUS Center for Autism partnered with the Canton Food Bank for a fundraiser at American Flatbread - Canton, CT on Monday evening, April 7. For every pizza sold that night, a portion of the proceeds went to support the food bank, which is located at Trinity Episcopal Church. It was a great night of good food and community coming together for a good cause.

The night also served as a thank you to the many dedicated volunteers who help keep the food bank running. More than 30 volunteers attended, including members of our FOCUS Adult Support Services group, who have been volunteering there regularly. The food bank serves more than 100 individuals and families and provides an average of about 4,000 meals each month, so it is really meaningful for our group to be able to give back in this way.

Our Adult Support Services Program Coordinator Sharon Cable and several members of the group also spent the evening selling raffle tickets for gift baskets to help raise additional funds for the food bank. At the end of the night, Food Bank Director Jennifer Herbek presented Sharon with flowers as a thank you for the continued support from our group.

Opportunities like this are a great example of how our adult program focuses on building meaningful community connections while supporting independence and engagement!

04/06/2026

Alumni, residents, and staff gathered at Donna and Fred’s home for the 19th annual Easter Egg Hunt and Celebration. Earlier in the day it looked like the rain might cancel the hunt, but the weather cleared just in time and the fun got started.

Everyone spread out across the property searching for their individually colored eggs, along with the golden eggs that each had $5 inside. There was a lot of running around and excitement, but what really stood out was how people helped each other when they spotted an egg. It was really nice to see old and new friends coming together with so much kindness and acceptance.

The Critters received plenty of love throughout the day, and that definitely went both ways. There was also plenty of good food, and we wrapped things up the way we often do with appreciations and Klondike Bars.

This year also included some special treats. Alumni Mike brought delicious candy to share with everyone, and Donna and Fred gave out cookies from Lost Acres Orchard. Not only were they delicious, but they also support our Autism Sweets fundraiser!

The consensus from old and new is that FOCUS IS FAMILY and that means the world!