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About CT FEAT
"ConnecticuT Families for
Effective Autism
Treatment"
(CT FEAT) is a non-profit organization formed by parents and family
members to provide information and support to the families of children with
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Many of us experienced tremendous difficulties
in obtaining accurate diagnoses for our children. Once we were given a
diagnosis, it typically was not accompanied by up-to-date treatment information.
In order to learn about the most effective treatment options, we were obliged to
waste precious time doing extensive independent research. And then came the most
challenging obstacle of all: securing effective, appropriate, affordable
treatment for our children.
The parents at CT FEAT want to help the families who come after us to
learn about, and have access to, effective treatment as soon as possible
following diagnosis.
OUR PRINCIPAL GOALS:
1. To provide information and
resources that enable families to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of
current treatment approaches;
2. To support families seeking
or implementing behavioral intervention programs;
3. To expand the availability
of high quality professional services by supporting education and training
opportunities in applied behavior analysis (ABA).
4. To increase public
awareness regarding the high incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorders and the
availability of effective, scientifically validated treatments.
OUR
RESOURCES:
1) An Information
"hotline" by which Connecticut families can learn about
CT FEAT’s activities and request an information packet. Parents also can
request to speak in confidence with another parent about the possible
benefit of ABA-based treatment. Connecticut parents interested in
receiving this information should call 860-571-3888 and leave a message with
your name, phone number, the age of your child, and your town of residence.
2)
Parent
Support Group meetings, which take place at least twice a
year, usually in
Rocky Hill, or Waterbury, CT. The only requirement for participation in the meetings is
that parents agree to respect each other’s privacy and confidentiality.
3)
An Un-moderated "Parents Only" Internet Discussion List that
provides Connecticut parents of ASD children with a forum to
discuss issues of concern. The only requirement for participation is that
you agree to protect the confidentiality of the other families on the list.
In other words, you must not disclose, to anyone outside the list, private
or personal information learned on the list. Of course this
confidentiality requirement operates on an honor system, but anyone found in
violation of it will be removed from the list. To learn more about
the listserv, and how to subscribe to it,
go to the ctfeat
listserv.
4) A Newsletter which
contains news of interest (e.g. book reviews, conference announcements,
etc.) and a Brochure which describes our organization. To subscribe
to our newsletter, please email us at:
newsletter@ctfeat.org
5) A World Wide Web site,
which provides a growing collection of information about Autism Spectrum
Disorders and their effective treatment.
6) Coordinated statewide
information and advocacy for effective autism treatment.
OUR STRUCTURE
The founding members of CT FEAT
began meeting as an informal parent support network in early 1997 and formally incorporated as a non-profit organization. In
1998 we were granted 501(c)(3) status from the Internal Revenue
Service, making us eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Our bylaws provide
that all members of the Board of Directors shall be parents or family members
of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. There is Board representation from
every region of the state.
Connecticut Families for Effective Autism Treatment (CT FEAT) is a
non-profit organization staffed by volunteers. Since
we are an all volunteer organization with limited resources, we can only serve
Connecticut families, to whom we provide information and
networking opportunities.
If you are a Connecticut parent or professional and would like to
get more involved with CT FEAT, you can call (860) 571-3888, write to P.O. Box
370352, West Hartford, CT 06137-0352 or E-mail at
ctfeat1@ctfeat.org.
We'd like to hear from you!
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