For most Chester County residents, SPARC is an unfamiliar acronym. For parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other behavioral challenges, it means an organization dedicated to helping their children be the best they can be.

Founded in 2006, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Autism Resource Center provides parents with the strategies and solutions they need to help their  children grow, adapt and make the most of their lives.

As most know, Autism Spectrum Disorder is a unique and difficult disorder. The variety of symptoms and behavioral troubles–referred to as “the Spectrum”–make ASD very difficult to treat with medication or simple therapies.

That’s why trained specialists at SPARC work closely with children and parents in highly structured, skills-oriented development sessions utilizing the principles of  Applied Behavioral Analysis. At SPARC clinicians, therapists, and student volunteers spend hours working with families, clients, and schools  in the areas of feeding, social skills, behavior management, toilet training, and sleep training.

SPARC’s  focus is not limited to what a patient does in the clinic, but in more typical settings like home, school, and around the community as well.  If a child has difficulty eating in  restaurants, for example, SPARC sends therapists to coach patients through difficult situations.

And now they’ll be able to do even more.

Last Tuesday, Kim Brumbaugh delivered the “Quality of Life” award and a $5,000 grant to SPARC from the Million Dollar Round Table Foundation, the charitable wing of a premiere group of financial advisors.

Since 1959,  Million Dollar Round Table Foundation has awarded more than $29 million to charitable causes in 70 countries. Medical programs and research, youth leadership, financial literacy, disability and educational programs are just some of the types of causes the MDRT Foundation’s grant programs have helped fund.

“We depend 100 percent on our strong community ties”, said Cherie Fishbaugh, Senior Consultant at SPARC, “without our student volunteers and the generous grants we receive from private supporters like the Million Dollar Round Table Foundation we would not be able to provide the level of care and support we are known for throughout the region”.

Read more about SPARC in their newsletter here.