FOCUS Center for Autism is a grassroots, community-based nonprofit whose mission is helping children and young adults with Au ... tism Spectrum Disorders achieve their full potential. FOCUS Center for Autism became a non-profit organization in 2000 under the name of FOCUS Alternative Learning Center. What began in 1996 as an after-school program and a camp in the summers for children and adolescents on the Autism Spectrum is now an intensive and growing clinical continuum of care. The Fresh Start School is a private, special education program, approved by the Connecticut State Department of Education. The program offers middle school and high school aged children with autism spectrum and other related disorders a quality education experience that addresses the academic,clinical, and social goals of each child. Our Residential Program was created in 2007 for adolescents and young adults with ASD and a history of trauma. In 2009, we expanded from our After School 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 system. This program coupled with our After School Program offers a comprehensive clinical model that promotes social, emotional and academic growth. For more information, visit www.focuscenterforautism.org or check us out on Facebook. read more