Shining Futures will create a school and residential facility that will utilize innovative techniques which have proven successful with autistic children, initially serving up to 80 students at a time in Palm Beach and Martin counties in Florida. We will also provide education and support for parents, educators and healthcare workers by hosting workshops and sharing data.
Autism challenges millions of American families. Children on the autistic spectrum lack the ability to interpret social signals. They cannot communicate effectively with others to a varying degree. The autism spectrum, including Pervasive Development Disorder-PDD and Asperger Syndrome, can occur along with mental retardation and other disorders, though most are of average to superior intelligence. Autism affects their ability to care for themselves, interrelate successfully with other people, and contribute to the community.
We will provide opportunities for the acquisition of knowledge and skills that support personal independence and social responsibility. Using proven techniques, we will create an environment that will allow the student to flourish. Medications do not effectively treat Autism, which has no cure, but which has been proven to show a positive outcome when appropriate techniques are used to reinforce positive behaviors
