High Functioning Autism Schools
Students with high functioning autism are usually able to function in a traditional school setting, but have a few special requirements to help them reach their full academic potential. These requirements differ with each student and may include: classrooms with less distractions, fewer students per teacher, independence skill building, or teachers and other students who understand and appreciate these students' differences. Fortunately, there are schools designed specifically for students with high functioning autism.
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Individualized Focus
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Students with high functioning autism need a program that caters to them as individual learners by using a curriculum that helps them learn the skills they lack. One student may need help understanding certain social aspects like sarcasm or jokes, while another feels anxious around people and works best one-on-one or in small groups.
Alexsander Academy in Alpharetta, Georgia, serves students with high functioning autism who may have had a hard time learning in a typical classroom setting. Its curriculum is based on Georgia Performance Standards but is further designed to meet the needs of each student as an individual.
The Orion School in Atlanta, Georgia, is another accredited nonprofit private school designed specifically for students in grades K-6 who have neurobehavioral conditions such as high functioning autism. The Orion School maintains a teacher to student ratio of 1:4 to ensure individualized attention and to minimize distractions.
The Howard School, also located in Atlanta, Georgia, provides an academic program for students with individual learning differences and disabilities. Students flourish in their own individual learning style, as they usually haven't been able to do in traditional teaching and learning environments. Applications to the school are assessed based on the student's individual learning profile as well as available space in the appropriate program.
Independence Academy in Indianapolis, Indiana, understands that students on the autism spectrum have tremendous potential and growth when given the right support.
Year-Round Consistency
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One problem with traditional schools that may affect students with high functioning autism is that a two-month summer break can be destructive to students' progress. These students need consistency to be able to make progress.
Most schools for high functioning autism offer summer programs. For instance, Alexsander Academy offers a five-week summer session to keep students' progress consistent.
Academics and Curriculum
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Students with high functioning autism are usually at average or above intelligence. Some are even considered "gifted." Schools for high functioning autism typically provide a strong academic program. At the same time, these schools nurture the individual student's ability to concentrate by minimizing distractions or providing whatever each student needs to reach their full potential.
It is also important to teach students with high functioning autism independence skills, as well as helping them build self-confidence. Many students may fear that they cannot do something on their own due to lack of confidence.
The Orion School serves students in grades two to eight. The academically rigorous program focuses mainly on typical core academics such as math, language arts, science, social studies, and reading comprehension and fluency. Independence skills and building self-confidence are also major components of the curriculum. Alexsander Academy, Independence Academy and Howard School also offer these same types of programs.
Learning in a Prejudice-Free Environment
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One problem autistic students can face in a traditional school setting is prejudice -- from both students and staff. Many teachers are uneducated in regard to autism and may not understand that students on the spectrum have special requirements even if they seem "normal" due to their high functioning. Teachers will typically have the same expectations of these students as of the rest of the class.
Students may make fun of those around them who are "different." A student with high functioning autism may have some quirks that are different than the norm, making them vulnerable to ridicule, which can quickly damage self-esteem.
Jowonio School is a New York-based school for autism that understands the importance of freeing students from stereotypes and prejudice so they can learn comfortably. Independence Academy in Indiana also fosters the importance of acceptance for their unique students to be able to flourish.
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Related Searches
References
- Alexsander Academy: What Makes Us Special
- The Orion School: School for students with Asperger's or High Functioning Autism
- The Howard School: A Different Approach Makes All the Difference
- Web MD: High Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome
- Independence Academy: Educating Students with High Functioning Autism
- Jowonio School: Jowonio Pre-school
Resources
- Photo Credit child image by DOLPHIN from Fotolia.com
