As the rates of children with autism and neurodevelopmental disorders increase, so does the need for a comprehensive approach to intervention. Because children spend so much of their time in school settings, it is important that professionals in all disciplines work collaboratively to provide these youth and their families with much needed intervention and support.
In response to this growing need, Chapman University’s Donna Ford Attallah College of Educational Studies and the Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders have come together with partners, parents, educators, and schools to actively address this issue as a community.
This collaboration involves a two-pronged approach, providing both support and educational opportunities, specifically designed to meet the needs of individual students, families, and schools. To this end, we offer a cutting edge program: Families, Agencies, and Schools Together (FAST). We are one of two FAST programs. Our program, FAST@UCI, is located in The Center For Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders at UCI Health.
We strive to help negotiate uncertain terrain, to see all viewpoints, promote flexibility, and advocate for the best interests of the child. Our goal is to work together with ALL team members to create quality outcomes for youth with autism and neurodevelopmental disabilities throughout Southern California.
This important endeavor would not be possible without the vision, passion and generosity of our partners and cofounders. In addition to Chapman University’s Donna Ford Attallah College of Educational Studies, other founding members of the the Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders are The William & Nancy Thompson Family Foundation, Children and Families Commission of Orange County, the UC Irvine School of Medicine, and Children's Hospital of Orange County.
