About Us — Our Mission
The Ethan Foundation for Autism is a 503c nonprofit organization which was established in 2006 by Kimberly Ryan and Mark Debrowski on behalf of their son Ethan. The Ethan Foundation for Autism provides support, education and other resources for families dealing with the challenges of Autism.
Kimberly struggled to get services for Ethan through the public school system and during the summer months. She was told there was no funding for continued care during the summer--a time when a lapse in therapy could result in loss of progress made during the previous months. Turning to camps for "typical kids", Kimberly and Ethan were rejected time and time again. Realizing that "typical" camps would probably not benefit Ethan anyway, the first “Frogs, Flowers & Friends” summer camp was held in Kimberly's basement in 2004. It started with seven children and lasted six days. Now in its 6th year, the camp provides services to over 50 children and has grown to last 3-weeks. The camp follows the strict policy that NO CHILD SHALL BE LEFT BEHIND.
Our mission is to help children with autism reach their potential and live happy, productive, and independent lives.
To achieve this mission The Ethan Foundation For Autism develops, implements, and supports camps for kids with special needs. Camps that provide the needed structure and specialization our kids deserve and require in a safe, accepting, and fun environment.
the diagnosis of Autism. We hold out hope that the battle with Autism can ultimately been won with a relentless dedication to providing these children with the care and education that they require and deserve.
Awareness, both with regard to an Autistic child’s therapy regimen, as well as to what these children are entitled to from state Early Intervention programs and the child’s school district is critical to overcoming the challenges that Autism presents. It is our mission to help Autistic children reach their maximum potential, and to live happy, productive and independent lives.
ABOUT AUTISM
Autism is a neurologically based developmental disability that can cause severe impairment in language, cognition and social functioning. Children with autism often do not learn in the same way as others. They may not learn to talk through exposure to language, independently eat a variety of healthy foods, learn from other children how to play with toys, make friends, or enjoy the company of their families. All these skills must be taught and continually reinforced using techniques often foreign to parents and most teachers.
Although it is not clear why, there are more school aged children with autism diagnoses than ever before. Whether this rise reflects a genuine increase in incidence, a change in diagnostic criteria, or something else has not yet been fully explained.
While there is currently no cure for Autism, there are treatment and education approaches that can reduce the challenges associated with the disability. Early and aggressive intervention can greatly reduce disruptive behaviors, and education can teach self-help skills that allow for greater independence. Autistic children can learn to function within the confines of their disability with appropriate and continuous care.