NEWS

The traditional school setting does meet the educational needs of many students, but your child may benefit from an autism school.  Autism schools offer personalized educational interventions and help children learn social skills, manage sensory challenges, and prepare for success in life. Here are ten questions you can ask as you interview potential schools for […]

Applied Behavioral Analysis, or ABA, is an effective treatment for children with autism. Offered in a variety of settings, ABA therapy for autism uses a system of positive reinforcement that helps children decrease maladaptive behaviors and learn functional skills.  Here’s everything you need to know about the beneficial therapy that equips your child to cope […]

Autism is not a “one size fits all” disorder. Every boy and girl is impacted differently, which means that no two children with autism have identical educational needs.  Whether you are planning to send your son or daughter to school for the very first time or you are looking to switch schools for one reason […]

For children with autism, school can be a challenging place. Many schools are not equipped to offer all the academic, behavioral, and other services and support your child needs.  In the wrong school, your child may feel bored, excluded, or frustrated. A better school experience includes engaging and beneficial services and supports that equip your […]

For children with autism, a specialty school can provide a stimulating and nurturing environment that meets their developmental needs. In the right setting, children with autism receive acceptance and respect. They also become equipped with knowledge, experiences, and tools that help them thrive now and into adulthood. Many special schools for autism offer unique educational, […]

Autism, formally known as Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, is a condition that describes a spectrum of developmental disabilities. Individuals with autism typically struggle with speech, interpersonal relations, emotions, and social skills.  According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 59 children born in the United States have ASD, and boys […]

UPDATE (Monday, March 23): In compliance with Governor Northam’s decision, Sarah Dooley Center for Autism will be closed for the remainder for the 2019-2020 school year. We will communicate more information in the days to come. UPDATE (Monday, March 16): As we continue to take every measure to protect the health and well-being of our […]

For children with autism, education includes a lot more than reading, writing and arithmetic.  In addition to academics, children with autism need a range of behavioral, occupational, speech and physical therapies. Each unique case and curriculum will look a little different. Although some services are available at public schools, it’s not always enough. You may […]

Children with autism typically use behaviors to communicate their wants, needs, anxieties, and frustrations.  These behaviors can include:  Fidgeting Stimming Rocking Tapping Repeating words or phrases Mimicking Self-injurious actions Aggression Biting Ignoring peers Refusing to follow directives Eloping While behaviors are important communication tools, some behaviors can disrupt learning in a classroom setting. Various interventions […]

Speech therapy gives children with autism a voice and equips them to communicate their needs and wants to parents, caregivers, and teachers. Because of speech therapy for autism, children can experience freedom, dignity, and a decrease in challenging behaviors in the classroom and at home. Professional speech specialists use many methods and strategies during therapy […]