Autism

Founded by a physician whose autistic son has limited verbal abilities, he Phoenix Studio helps develop literacy skills in people who can't easily express themselves because of their autism, and pursue a diploma, using a method called spelling to communicate.

Six-year-old Shoreham-Wading River student Anthony Belvedere and his family is being sent on the Disney vacation thanks to Families in Arms.

"It's about approaching the child in a way that is respectful to them, to try to understand what is driving the behavior," said Andrea Libutti, a local doctor and the author of Awakened by Autism.