National Foundation for Autism Research (NFAR)

Early Identification and Treatment Programs Research shows that autism affects the way the brain develops early in life and the way a baby begins to collect and process information. The earlier a child begins treatment, the better the chances for influencing how they learn and improving their long-range outcome. That's why it's so important for families to understand the signs that put a young child ""at-risk"" for autism and to seek help right away. At NFAR, we are working with top researchers in the field of autism to address these important outreach efforts and to help families whose child may be at-risk for autism seek the appropriate treatments. Initiatives include: * Early Identification Project with the UCSD Autism Center of Excellence: Together, we are working to include children of Spanish Speaking families in the NIH funded Early Identification Project - the largest, targeted initiative seeking to identify and provide treatment services to children ""at risk"" for autism in San Diego under 2 years of age (multi-year project that has been continued with funding support from New York Life). * NFAR Educational Outreach Project: Our educational brochure entitled ""What You Need to Know About Autism,"" provides important information about the signs a baby may be ""at-risk"" for autism and the importance of early treatment. The brochure has been distributed in more than 150 San Diego pediatrician and family doctor offices, as well as other locations across the county. (This program received funding from UPS.)

NFAR recognizes the need to make technology and vocational training and real work experience available to those with autism in our community. NFAR's training programs combine skill development with soft skills training and work experience needed for successful employment. NFAR Tech trains participants for entry level software testers, including preparation and testing for industry recognized certification (ISTQB-CTFL). NFAR Works offers participants the opportunity to explore job types while further identifying their areas of interests and strengths. The program helps to build job skills, that can be applied to any work situation, so that participants can be more competitive and successful in the workplace. NFAR Cyber is a autism specific program that is designed to help launch careers in cybersecurity - a field to which many with autism are well suited with strengths such as strong attention to detail and patterns, sustained focus, technical savvy, and trustworthiness.

Educational Programs: We work with educators at the classroom, district and university levels to address the unique educational needs of students with autism and improve learning during school hours. Our goal is to improve the educational outcomes for all students with autism in San Diego and we do this through several initiatives: San Diego Autism Teachers Grants Program: The Teachers Grants provide local San Diego teachers with the tools required to support the specialized needs of their students with autism. With the challenges of educating an ever-increasing number of students on the autism spectrum, these grants help fill a gap in funding that is not otherwise available. .Additionally, this program gives educators a vehicle for piloting new methodologies, technology and programs that address key areas of concern for ASD students. These include social skills training, learning to communicate, developing effective communication skills for verbal and non-verbal students, and reducing sensory and behavioral issues that interfere with learning. Teacher Forums and Workshops: Twice a year, NFAR hosts Educational Workshops where we bring educators together to discuss successful techniques and new teaching methods that improve learning for students with autism in the classrooms. The Educational Workshops provide a venue where educators can share successful strategies and materials used for teaching students with autism in the classroom. Many are practical "hands on" techniques.