Families for Early Autism Treatment Inc.

Overview

Families for Early Autism Treatment Inc., commonly referred to as FEAT, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families with children on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which includes conditions such as Autistic Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger's Disorder. The organization is headquartered in Sacramento, California.

Mission and Activities

FEAT serves as a network of support for families, providing opportunities for them to connect with each other and discuss issues surrounding autism and its treatment. It offers a range of activities and resources aimed at assisting families in accessing effective treatment and advocacy for their children.

Support and Education

• Parent Mentoring Program: FEAT operates a Parent Mentoring Program where experienced parents guide new families through the process of understanding and treating autism. This program provides one-on-one assistance to help families navigate the complex journey of autism treatment.
• Support Meetings: The organization hosts two types of support meetings:
  1. Family Resource Meetings, which occur monthly, focusing on providing information and resources to families dealing with autism.
  2. Family Empowerment Forums, held quarterly, offering a platform for discussing treatment options and self-advocacy strategies.

Community Engagement

FEAT organizes various social and recreational events throughout the year. These events are designed to provide opportunities for children with autism to practice social skills in a supportive environment, while also allowing family members to connect with one another. Such activities include field trips, which help foster friendships among both children and adults.

Access to Resources

• Lending Library: FEAT maintains a Lending Library with multiple locations, offering free access to teaching materials and information about autism for therapy programs. This resource is available to families without charge.

Advocacy and Training

FEAT advocates for the rights of children with autism, particularly in securing appropriate public education. The organization also provides training to parents on how to effectively navigate educational systems to ensure their children receive the best possible treatment outcomes.

Governance and Operations

FEAT operates under a Board of Directors that meets regularly to set priorities and guide the direction of the organization. It publishes a quarterly newsletter to keep stakeholders informed about current events and developments related to autism. The organization relies on volunteer efforts to fulfill its mission.