Like all parents seeking best outcome autism treatment, we were tossed into an overwhelming arena of acronyms: ABA, IDEA, FAPE, IEP, IHSS, DHS, and more. Our son was 4 and had multiple disabilities and we were in a legal battle with our school district. I was blown away at my first Family Resource Meeting. FEAT parent advocates were confident and dynamic. They spoke boldly about identifying best-outcome treatment and our children's rights under current law. They quoted IDEA, FAPE and the Lanterman Act! But what spoke to me most was listening to them share openly about where their child had been, where they were today and how they got there. I wanted to know as much as they knew! FEAT helps me stand on my own two feet.

FEAT needs a new website! We must be able to quickly convey critically needed information and share up to date resources. We also want to offer more social opportunities for the kids and families throughout the year. Early on, my family attended a movie event exclusively for FEAT Families. I think it was Monsters, Inc. Anyway, while waiting to enter the theater, I remember looking around at all of these parents from varying backgrounds facing the same challenges and wanting the best outcome for their child, and I realized, 'Oh! These are my people! We are somewhere that we fit in!'

Isolation is deadly. Knowledge and connection brings hope. For 25 years, FEAT's powerful peer-to-peer volunteer driven organization has served local families in the trenches and on the front lines. But FEAT's 5,000 member families must continue to hold legislators, school districts, regional centers, health-care, IHSS and other agencies accountable to the law. We must bravely cultivate our collective energy to provide opportunities to learn and share with other families.

Take action with us! Register for FEAT Walk today.