FOCUS Center for Autism

FOCUS Center for Autism Because the “creatively wired and socially challenged” should not have to go it alone.

Spare Time in Bristol has been a great spot where the residents of Washington House, part of the Therapeutic Supportive ...
06/03/2026

Spare Time in Bristol has been a great spot where the residents of Washington House, part of the Therapeutic Supportive Housing Program, have now gone to on three separate occasions. They loved taking part in bowling, laser tag, and arcade activities. These outings offered a mix of teamwork, friendly competition, and shared enjoyment, allowing residents to connect in an environment that is both structured and fun. The variety of activities encouraged participation from all group members and supported the development of social skills, confidence, and cooperation.

The residents have consistently expressed how much they enjoy this location, often requesting to return. Staff at the venue have been welcoming and supportive, contributing to a positive and inclusive experience that helps residents feel valued and respected within the community.

Overall, these outings have provided residents with opportunities to strengthen peer relationships, practice appropriate social interactions, and engage in healthy recreation, reinforcing the program’s goals of community integration and personal growth.

We had a special visitor stop by this week: Dexter the ferret!It's always amazing how much excitement a small animal can...
06/01/2026

We had a special visitor stop by this week: Dexter the ferret!

It's always amazing how much excitement a small animal can bring. What started as a quick visit quickly turned into a bit of an event around the school. As you can see from the photos, our students were thrilled to meet Dexter and spend some time with him.

Our students always love when animals come to visit. There's just something about it that brings people together and creates a lot of smiles. Before long, students and staff were stopping by to say hello, making it feel like a little community event. Sometimes it's the simple things that end up making the biggest impact on everyone's day.

Last Friday our Fresh Start students had the chance to take a field trip to Goodwin University. Usually their Mobile Man...
05/29/2026

Last Friday our Fresh Start students had the chance to take a field trip to Goodwin University. Usually their Mobile Manufacturing Lab comes to us, but this time we got to visit them on their campus. The students were excited from the moment we arrived and really enjoyed getting to see the environment, meet everyone, and take part in all the activities they planned for us. From the welding demonstration to building their own mini benches, there was something for everyone to get involved in.

They also treated us to lunch and pizza, and it was great seeing the students relax and enjoy themselves in the student lounge afterwards. A few of them even got a pretty competitive foosball game going. Overall it was just a really positive experience and another reminder of how valuable community connections like this can be for our students. We’re very grateful for the relationship we’ve built with everyone at Goodwin University.

Yesterday at our placement at the Avon Senior Center, our students were able to celebrate one of the other volunteer's b...
05/27/2026

Yesterday at our placement at the Avon Senior Center, our students were able to celebrate one of the other volunteer's birthdays. They created cards and made sure to include some of her favorite things, which she really appreciated. She even made cards for the students too, wishing them a good week.

It’s always great to see moments like this happen naturally. The connections our students build out in the community can really mean a lot on both sides.

Today, we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and reflect on their service and the ...
05/25/2026

Today, we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and reflect on their service and the freedoms we enjoy because of them.

Wishing all a safe Memorial Day, we will be back tomorrow!

You never really know what someone is capable of until they’re given the right environment to grow and thrive. At FOCUS,...
05/22/2026

You never really know what someone is capable of until they’re given the right environment to grow and thrive. At FOCUS, we put a huge emphasis on creating a supportive and nurturing atmosphere where people feel safe, understood, and encouraged to step outside of their comfort zones. We lovingly push our clients to believe in themselves, try new things, and recognize strengths they may not have even realized they had. Watching that confidence grow and seeing people reach goals they once thought were impossible is one of the most meaningful parts of what we do.

Behind the scenes at Fresh Start School Picture Day and it was such a fun day all around. The students had a blast, ther...
05/20/2026

Behind the scenes at Fresh Start School Picture Day and it was such a fun day all around. The students had a blast, there were lots of laughs, and everyone really got into it. Mr. Dadrian did an incredible job making all of the students feel comfortable, relaxed, and happy throughout the whole experience. It’s always really special when staff get the chance to share and use their hidden talents in ways that connect with the students like this. We can’t wait to see the final pictures and share the results with everyone!

Over the past few weeks, our middle school students have been able to have Physical Education class outside at the park,...
05/18/2026

Over the past few weeks, our middle school students have been able to have Physical Education class outside at the park, and it’s been such a positive experience for everyone involved. They’ve been getting exercise, enjoying the fresh air, and most importantly just having fun together.

We always try to encourage our students to take advantage of the outdoors and learn healthy ways to move their bodies, connect with each other, and enjoy their community spaces. It’s been really great seeing them embrace it and enjoy being kids together outside.

Over the last two weeks, we had the privilege of hosting two very different and very meaningful panels by FOCUS Center f...
05/15/2026

Over the last two weeks, we had the privilege of hosting two very different and very meaningful panels by FOCUS Center for Autism at the Canton Community Center. One panel featured former clients sharing their lived experiences and journeys, while the other featured parents of individuals with autism who were able to open up about the realities, challenges, growth, and emotions that come with raising and supporting loved ones on the spectrum.

What made both nights so special was how unique and honest the conversations became. We worked hard to create an environment where people felt safe, understood, and genuinely supported, and you could truly feel that in the room. People poured their hearts out, shared things that are not always easy to talk about, and connected with one another in such a real and human way. There were moments of laughter, emotion, validation, and community throughout both panels.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who had the courage to speak, listen, and be present with one another. These kinds of conversations matter deeply to us at FOCUS, and they are a reminder of how powerful it can be when people feel safe enough to tell their stories openly and honestly. The consensus of those who attended both panels was "I am not alone".

Mystic Aquarium was a fun outing had last week by the residents of Washington House, part of the Therapeutic Supportive ...
05/13/2026

Mystic Aquarium was a fun outing had last week by the residents of Washington House, part of the Therapeutic Supportive Housing Program. They explored a variety of marine life exhibits and learned about sea animals from around the world. Residents particularly enjoyed observing the different species up close and discussing their favorite exhibits together. The visit also included watching the sea lion show, which provided an engaging and entertaining experience that sparked laughter, conversation, and shared enjoyment among the group.

Following the aquarium visit, residents enjoyed lunch together and then spent time walking through Mystic Village, where they explored local shops and continued socializing in a relaxed, welcoming environment. This portion of the outing allowed residents to practice decision-making, communication, and community navigation while enjoying the atmosphere of the village.

Overall, the experience supported social connection and positive peer interaction while encouraging residents to actively participate in and enjoy community-based activities beyond the residence.

Address

Canton, CT

Opening Hours

Monday 8:15am - 2:45pm
Tuesday 8:15am - 2:45pm
Wednesday 8:15am - 2:45pm
3pm - 6pm
Thursday 8:15am - 1pm
Friday 8:15am - 2:45pm

Telephone

+18606938809

Website

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