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Fran Swanson, Realtor®
Brief Bio
- Native of Connecticut
- Graduate of Smith College,
Northampton, MA and University of
Genvea, Switzerland
- Lived and worked in Geneva,
Switzerland for 10 years following
college
- Returned to US, moved to Florida in
1998
- Became a Realtor and joined RE/MAX
Realty Group in 2003
- Love foreign language study; fluent
in French and Spanish, working knowledge
of German, Italian, Portuguese, some
knowledge of Arabic
- Community volunteer and advocate for
children with special needs (son was
diagnosed with Autism 16 years ago; now
in high school doing wonderfully!)
- Hobbies include golf, fitness,
writing, reading
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"Can you tell
which one? No! He has worked very hard to
become one of the guys!"
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What is Autism?
Studies by the U.S. Centers
for Disease Control & Prevention suggest
that the prevalence of autism spectrum
disorders has significantly increased, from
approximately four in 10,000 in the early
1990s to as many as one in every 166 births
today. Despite strikingly high prevalence,
autism research remains one of the lowest
funded areas of medical research by both
public and private sources. Currently, the
causes of autism are unknown and there are
no specific medical treatments or cure.
Physicians have no blood test or diagnostic
scan that can definitively diagnose the
disorder. As such, the diagnosis of autism
is based solely upon observations of
behavior. Despite increasing national
interest and high prevalence, autism
research is one of the lowest funded areas
of medical research by both public and
private sources.
Advocating for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) encompass a
group of neuropsychiatric disorders
characterized by deficits in social
interaction and communication,
and sometimes,
unusual and repetitive behavior. Some, but
certainly
not all, people with autism are non-verbal.
The degree of autism varies from mild to
severe in different individuals. The cause
(or causes) of autism are not yet
understood. However, it is widely believed
within the scientific community that there
is a strong genetic component or
pre-disposition to autism spectrum
disorders. Researchers have proposed that
the immunological, metabolic, and
environmental factors may also play a part
in the etiology of autism.
Fortunately, research is advancing in this
area and we are perhaps getting closer to
unlocking the puzzle surrounding autism
spectrum disorders. One thing is for sure,
though: intense EARLY INTERVENTION, love,
faith and commitment are necessary
components in a positive, pro-active
approach. There are countless websites,
organizations and publications where one can
learn about ASD and approaches to
intervention.
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Testimonials
"You're not the average real
estate agent, Fran. I mean it; you
really shine." Jeff & Amanda, FL
"Our family appreciates all that
you've done for us. You're a
beautiful person." Joe & Julia, CA
"I told a couple I just met
golfing to call you because you are
the best." Dean, Canada
"Fran, all I can say is you are
awesome...and I never use that
word..." Ed, Ohio
"Fran, I still cannot get over all
you did for me. I always tell all my
friends what a great Realtor you
are." Joan, Connecticut
"Great job! Fran went 'above and
beyond' over and over again."
Danni, Orlando
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