Students with developmental disabilities may benefit from attending a school designed to meet their needs.
Children with developmental disabilities may have a difficult time receiving a proper education in a traditional public or private school. Institutions specializing in teaching children with special needs are available nationwide and offer a safe and understanding learning environment. While the following schools may not be located near you, it's important to know what types of programs are available when researching schools within your city or county.
Sunrise School for Autism and Developmental Disabilities
Students ages 5 to 22 who have moderate delays associated with an autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disability can enroll in the Sunrise School, in Sherman Oaks, California. The school offers a highly individualized and comprehensive special education day program focused on teaching life-long skills in the areas of independence, language, and socialization. All classrooms offer hands-on learning and a manageable teacher to student ratio. Occupational therapy, sensory therapy, and a variety of skills development programs are available to the students.
Rochester Center for Autism
The Rochester Center for Autism, located in Rochester, Minnesota, offers an Applied Behavior Analysis program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Pervasive Development Disorder, or Asperger's Syndrome. Using a variety of methods including story time, action songs, and sensory games, the center works on a child's speech and fine motor skills, socialization and body awareness. Music therapy is an important part of learning at the Rochester Center. Through use of drums, tambourines, bells and other instruments, the music groups promotes positive social skills, vocal responses, and self awareness.
Pressley Ridge
Pressley Ridge in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offers a day school focusing on intensive educational and therapeutic services for autistic students ages 6 to 21. Students are taught important academic, social, and communication skills while developing independence and personal responsibility. Typically, students are referred to the program at the request of the local school district. Pressley also provides other services including an extended school year program that runs throughout the summer months as well as school-based training and a behavioral health rehabilitative services program.
Individualized Education Program
Families who do not have access to or cannot afford a school specializing in developmental disabilities should contact the local school district and ask for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) evaluation. Mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, an IEP is designed to meet the specific needs of a child with a developmental or learning disability.
Tags: Rochester Center, with developmental, Center Autism, children with, designed meet, developmental disabilities, Individualized Education
