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Interview with FCSN Alumni: Garrett Chan

A photo of Dr. Garrett Chan

When Dr. Garrett Chan first began volunteering at Friends of Special Needs (FCSN) as a junior high school student, his goal was simple: to spend more time with his younger sister, who is on the autism spectrum. What began as a way to support her, however, quickly grew into a formative experience—one that shaped his patience, empathy, and ultimately, his decision to pursue medicine… Continue reading Interview with FCSN Alumni: Garrett Chan

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An Interview with Saanvi Shah

In the summer before ninth grade, Saanvi Shah was searching for a meaningful way to give back to the community. She wanted more than just a volunteer opportunity; she was looking for something that would make a real difference. When Saanvi discovered the organization Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN), their mission resonated deeply within her and set her on a journey that would transform both her and the students she serves… Continue reading An Interview with Saanvi Shah

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Disability Resource Fair 2025

As the Fremont community filed into the Fremont Downtown Event Center, lively sounds of music and laughter echoed into the street. From 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on September 21,2025, , FCSN hosted the fourth annual Disability Resource Fair, which was organized in collaboration with the City of Fremont Human Relations Commission (HRC).  The fair aims to raise awareness and provide resources for individuals with special needs in the form of an uplifting gathering of togetherness… Continue reading Disability Resource Fair 2025

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FCSN Hands-On Art Class

One brush, one canvas, one stroke, one painting, a flourish of creativity. This is the philosophy of FCSN’s Hands-On Art Class. Located next to the FCSN South Bay Center, the Colibri Pottery Studio sells many hands-on creations, ranging from paintings, candles, and pottery, and even hosts events and art classes for customers. On September 15th, the studio held its first one hour art class for the special needs students of FCSN. Under the guidance of the amazing teacher Ceci, the lead instructor and studio manager of Colibri Pottery Studio, the students were able to create a fall art piece using a paintbrush and a canvas. Moreover, thanks to the FCSN workers, Po-Yu Yen and Alyssa, the class proceeded smoothly with their support and assistance… Continue reading FCSN Hands-On Art Class

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FCSN Family Day 2025

On June 7, from 4 to 7 PM, FCSN held the annual Family Day at the Culture Center of TECO in Milpitas. The event included both a segment in which FCSN board members presented various milestones and a series of performances by members of East and South Bay recreation programs. Guests including special needs families and members of different song and dance programs enjoyed a musical opening by the South Bay Percussion Group before the announcements began… Continue reading FCSN Family Day 2025

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An Interview with Sarah Schwartz, a Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (MS, R-DMT) who works with individuals on the Spectrum

In the first article of the Health Column Series, “The Therapeutic Power of Dance for Kids on the Spectrum,” I shared an overview of clinical studies highlighting the benefits of dance for autistic children and young adults. In this second installment, I continued the conversation by speaking with Sarah Schwartz, a Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (MS, R-DMT) through the American Dance Therapy Association’s Certification Board. We discussed how a dance therapy session works, the impact she has witnessed in children on the spectrum, and her advice for our FCSN families who want to support therapeutic goals at home… Continue reading An Interview with Sarah Schwartz, a Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (MS, R-DMT) who works with individuals on the Spectrum

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Coordinated Career Pathways: Tailored Employment Support

Jobs provide a unique opportunity to showcase strengths, build independence, and contribute to society while gaining structure, purpose, and financial security. However, in the US, 34% of neurodivergent individuals have had trouble with the recruitment and hiring process, according to a TextHelp survey. This leads to unemployment rates as high as 30 – 40% for neurodiverse adults, 8 times higher than the average. This is where FCSN’s Coordinated Career Pathways (CCP) program comes into play… Continue reading Coordinated Career Pathways: Tailored Employment Support

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