• Chapman's Attallah Piazza.
Attallah College of Educational Studies

» The Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Together we can find the solution!

As the rates of children with autism and neurodevelopmental disorders increase, so does the need for a comprehensive approach to intervention. Because children spend so much of their time in school settings, it is important that professionals in all disciplines work collaboratively to provide these youth and their families with much needed intervention and support.

In response to this growing need, Chapman University’s Donna Ford Attallah College of Educational Studies and the Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders have come together with partners, parents, educators, and schools to actively address this issue as a community.

This collaboration will involve a two-pronged approach, providing both support and educational opportunities, specifically designed to meet the needs of individual students, families, and schools. To this end, we have developed a cutting edge program: Families And Schools Together (FAST).

We are incredibly excited to help negotiate this uncertain terrain, to see all viewpoints, promote flexibility, and advocate for the best interests of the child. Our goal is to work together with ALL team members to create quality outcomes for youth with autism and neurodevelopmental disabilities throughout Southern California.

This important endeavor would not be possible without the vision, passion and generosity of our partners and cofounders. In addition to Chapman University’s Donna Ford Attallah College of Educational Studies, other founding members of the the Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders are The William & Nancy Thompson Family Foundation, Children and Families Commission of Orange County, the UC Irvine School of Medicine, and Children's Hospital of Orange County.

  • Families And Schools Together
  • The Families And Schools Together (FAST) program offers support to families and schools, using a cohesive multi-disciplinary approach to intervention. We work together to increase communication among all team members; develop strong collaborative relationships; and share resources and expertise. This approach allows us to enhance services in all settings and ultimately improves outcomes for the youth we serve.

New! Webinar for Educators!

The Thompson Autism Center at CHOC Hospital in collaboration with CAND presents a webinar for educators on assisting students with autism amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Experts in the field of autism will provide tips and advice for virtually assisting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Speakers include licensed psychologists, BCBA’s, social workers, and resource specialists. The curriculum covers the following topics: Delivering curriculum 'virtually' effectively, Keeping the motivation, Addressing parental stress and burnout, Signs of child abuse during a pandemic, and Resources.