Protecting the Vulnerable Among Us
Friends of Autistic People is a parents' support group dedicated to bringing about an environment where adult children with autism can be assured of receiving high-quality care and assistance after they turn 21. FAP is the only charitable organization in Connecticut that advocates appropriate services for adults on the entire spectrum of autism.
We seek for our children a life that would allow them to make choices, live as independently as possible, have access to all aspects of the community, hold jobs and become participating members of society.
FAP strives to reach this goal by raising awareness of the services and supported living arrangements that autistic adults need, and searching for help within public and private organizations.
Change Through Education and Advocacy
With the help of parents, donors, professionals and legislators, FAP has advanced the cause of adults with autism in a number of ways.
- We host support meetings and lectures by experts in the field.
- We educate the public and businesses about the needs and talents of those with autism.
- We raise awareness through media programs and benefit events.
- We are working on starting a farm where autistic adults can live, work and continue to develop their skills.
- We collaborated with the state of Connecticut to open the first autism focused group home in Fairfield County. We hope this home will serve as a model for replication throughout the country.
Autism in the Family: How FAP Began
FAP founder Brita Darany von Regensburg's daughter Vanessa was born with classic autism. When Vanessa reached 21 years of age, she was discharged from the Greenwich Association of Retarded Citizens group home because they did not have the staffing to support an adult with profound autism.
That was when Brita found there were no mandated autism-specific services, programs or supports available for Vanessa. "It was as if Vanessa's life no longer existed," Brita said.
Her experiences caring for Vanessa as an adult left Brita determined that no one else should go through the struggle alone. She formed FAP in 1997 with a commitment to helping families navigate the system, and advocate for and intervene on behalf of their adult autistic children.
A Growing Organization
Today, Friends of Autistic People has a growing membership of 2,500+ parents, professionals, supporters and people with autism. Six nationally known authorities on autism have become advisors to our organization.
There is still much to be done, and we need all the help we can get. Please consider joining FAP.
Together, we can change the way autism affects the lives of those we love.
