FOCUS Center for Autism

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

Yesterday our middle school students were able to take a field trip to Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton, CT, where ...
10/21/2026

Yesterday our middle school students were able to take a field trip to Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton, CT, where they learned how the center helps injured animals and provides them with a safe environment to recover. They also explored the center's beautiful interactive art pieces before heading outside for a 45-minute hike, using maps to navigate the trails and explore the surrounding nature. It was a great opportunity to learn something new, build navigation skills, and enjoy time outdoors together. We are always looking for new ways to get our students out into the community and explore all the great things it has to offer!

Our high school students had some fun in PE playing a game of Night at the Museum! The idea is to strike a pose like a s...
10/19/2026

Our high school students had some fun in PE playing a game of Night at the Museum! The idea is to strike a pose like a statue and try to hold it while the night guard is watching, then move around whenever they are not looking. Both students and staff got creative with their poses and had a great time laughing and playing together. It was a fun, social way to end the day and another great opportunity for our students to connect with one another!

Fall is in full swing at Fresh Start School! Students recently took trips to local farm stores,where they picked out sma...
10/16/2026

Fall is in full swing at Fresh Start School! Students recently took trips to local farm stores,where they picked out small pumpkins to paint and decorate. This fun, hands-on project gave students the opportunity to express their creativity, show off their artistic abilities, and create unique pumpkin designs of their own. It was a wonderful way for students to get creative, have fun, and celebrate all the excitement that autumn brings to Fresh Start School!

10/14/2026

Last Tuesday, students in the Fresh Start Program enjoyed an exciting and educational field trip to Beardsley Zoo!

Our school is home to many animal enthusiasts, making this outing a wonderful opportunity for students to explore their interests while learning outside the classroom. During the trip, students learned about a variety of animals and their habitats, browsed the gift shop for plushies and souvenirs, and enjoyed a group lunch together at the café. Both students and staff returned with smiles, new knowledge, and plenty of happy moments to remember!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! 🍦Ice cream was the theme this month for the residents of Washington H...
10/12/2026

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! 🍦

Ice cream was the theme this month for the residents of Washington House, part of the Therapeutic Supportive Housing Program, as they enjoyed two fun outings centered around everyone’s favorite frozen treat!

The first stop was Frisbie’s Dairy Bar, where everyone had the chance to create their very own gallon of ice cream. They got to pour the ice cream into their tubs and then add a variety of yummy ingredients to customize their creations. Everyone enjoyed getting creative, choosing their favorite mix-ins, and making a treat that was uniquely their own. The hands-on experience made the outing extra special and gave everyone the opportunity to express their individual tastes.

The ice cream fun continued with a stop at Dairy Queen, where the guys enjoyed cold, refreshing cones on a beautiful fall day. It was a great chance to get out, enjoy the fresh air, and spend time together while savoring a classic sweet treat.

From creating their own ice cream flavors to enjoying cones with friends, this month’s outings were a delicious way to embrace the season, make memories, and enjoy some well-deserved fun outside of the house!

10/09/2026

STEM on the move!

Our students had an incredible hands-on experience with Goodwin University’s Mobile STEM Lab! From experimenting with Snap Circuits and trying out a welding simulator to creating custom signs with laser engraving, there was no shortage of learning, creativity, and smiles.

A huge thank you to for bringing these exciting STEM experiences right to our school! We loved seeing our students explore, experiment, and discover new possibilities.

Last Tuesday, our transition students had the opportunity to take part in an apple picking volunteer project with Friend...
10/07/2026

Last Tuesday, our transition students had the opportunity to take part in an apple picking volunteer project with Friends of Holcomb Farm, and we were excited to be part of such a great community effort. Students spent the morning picking apples that will be transported to Holcomb Farm, where they will be distributed through their Fresh Access program, providing fresh produce to more than 600 households each week throughout the growing season and beyond.

Our students had a great time working together and getting outside while seeing how their efforts could help others in the community. It was a great opportunity to give back, build teamwork and work skills, and be part of something bigger than themselves. Thank you to Holcomb Farm for providing this opportunity!

Happy World Teachers' Day to the incredible teachers who make up such an important part of our FOCUS team! The dedicatio...
10/05/2026

Happy World Teachers' Day to the incredible teachers who make up such an important part of our FOCUS team! The dedication, patience, and passion you bring to your classrooms make a difference in the lives of our students every day. Thank you for continuing to meet our students where they are, support them through their challenges, and help them recognize their own strengths and possibilities. We appreciate everything you do and are so grateful to have you as part of the FOCUS family!

10/02/2026

One of the students in the transition program at Fresh Start chose to make fried dough biscuits as part of his occupational therapy (OT) activity and invited his classmates to participate. Each student took on a specific responsibility, allowing everyone to contribute to the baking process while practicing teamwork, following directions, and safely using kitchen tools. An important part of the transition program is helping students develop independent living skills they can use at home and in the community. Activities like this give students the opportunity to practice those skills in a fun and meaningful way while working together and, of course, enjoying a delicious treat they created as a group.

Occupational and speech services are provided through our partnership with , whose therapists come into Fresh Start School to work with students who need OT and speech therapy. We are so grateful for this partnership and the opportunities it provides our students!

Two residents of Washington House, part of the Therapeutic Supportive Housing Program, enjoyed a fall outing to Lyman Or...
09/30/2026

Two residents of Washington House, part of the Therapeutic Supportive Housing Program, enjoyed a fall outing to Lyman Orchards filled with seasonal activities and time outdoors. They worked together to navigate the corn maze, explored the orchard while picking apples, took in the scenery, and stopped at the market to browse some seasonal treats. The outing provided opportunities to make choices, work as a team, and enjoy a change of pace. When they returned home, they continued the experience by working together to make a homemade apple crisp with some of the apples they picked, giving them a chance to turn their outing into something they could enjoy together at home.

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

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