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Byline: Bill McEwen
Jul. 29--They had nowhere to turn, so they turned to themselves and in three years they've helped get better services for autistic children.
The Fresno and Madera chapter of Families for Effective Autism Treatment was formed out of frustration with school districts, doctors and social-service agencies -- and a belief that the central San Joaquin Valley was needlessly tardy in using proven therapies.
Modeling itself after the original chapter started in the early 1990s in Sacramento, the group has lobbied for earlier diagnosis of the mysterious disorder and use of one-on-one behavior modification treatment.
From an original group of 15 families, the chapter has expanded to more than 200 while helping people from Merced to Tulare.