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

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

2025 FCSN Volunteer Recognition Day

“Volunteers are the heartbeat of FCSN.” Director of Volunteer Support Linmei Chiao’s quote describes the goal of the FCSN Volunteer Recognition Day held on June 21: to honor and recognize the volunteers who work for the organization. From tutors to journalists, FCSN’s volunteer base is composed of countless talented and dedicated individuals who make the organization’s mission of helping special needs individuals possible… Continue reading 2025 FCSN Volunteer Recognition Day

FCSN’s 4th Annual Art Exhibit

From 4-6:30 p.m. on August 22nd at 42080 Osgood Road, FCSN hosted the opening night for Without Limits, a vibrant and lively art exhibit showcasing the creativity and work of artists with special needs. Featuring 243 emotionally evoking and colorful artworks and 52 accomplished artists, Without Limits celebrates the inclusion and limitless potential of individuals with special needs… Continue reading FCSN’s 4th Annual Art Exhibit

Feel The Lu’au: Community Bonds At First Lu’au Party

On June 28, 2025, from 5–8 PM, FCSN held its first Lu’au party at the FCSN South Bay center. The event featured traditional Hawaiian foods, music, and activities, creating an atmosphere of celebration for the attending FCSN families. Over the past year, FCSN’s growth —especially with the completion of the new Osgood Center—caused a new goal to develop for the organization: to connect newer families with those who have been there longer and to foster more community bonding, especially through community events like these… Continue reading Feel The Lu’au: Community Bonds At First Lu’au Party

Beyond the Screen

In a world where technical education and STEM programs dominate today’s world, Catherine Wang took it upon herself to teach a class about soft skills. She founded a space where neurodiverse students could learn and practice social interaction and emotional management. She took action, creating a virtual Social Emotional Regulation class that now serves as a resource for students looking to better understand themselves and the world around them… Continue reading Beyond the Screen

REPRINT: Uniting Art and Community through FCSN Voices Graphic Artist Collaboration Project

Written by: Julia Lee, FCSN Voices Junior Editor Graphics by: Anna Wang, FCSN Voices Senior Graphic Artist In January 2024, the Graphic Artists on the FCSN Voices team launched a Digital Art Collaboration program. In this program, special needs students and graphic artists embark on a journey of artistic exploration over the course of four weeks. The resulting artwork proudly lives on the FCSN Voices … Continue reading REPRINT: Uniting Art and Community through FCSN Voices Graphic Artist Collaboration Project

Health Column Series: The Therapeutic Power of Dance for Kids on the Spectrum

A growing and diverse body of research has investigated the therapeutic benefits of dance and movement for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities, consisting of randomized controlled trials, pilot studies, qualitative research, and meta-analyses of multiple clinical trials and studies. Clinical trials have provided strong evidence that structured dance interventions can improve a range of developmental outcomes… Continue reading Health Column Series: The Therapeutic Power of Dance for Kids on the Spectrum