Autistic Support
Pace School's program blends mental health services and education services to effectively meet the needs of students with high-functioning autism. Support is in place for each child to focus on his or her individual needs through:
- Small class sizes
- Low pupil-to-teacher ratio
- Parent involvement
- Specialized programming combining language development and occupational therapy with communication, academic, mental health and social skills programming
- Individualized behavior support plans enabling students to cope with their anxieties and communicate their needs
Youngsters in the autism support program have many skills to build upon. The combination of services at Pace School provides opportunities for growth and eventual transition to public school.
TEACCH Procedures
Pace School uses "TEACCH" procedures (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped Children) to help develop each student's ability to independently follow daily routines and complete classroom and therapeutic activities. For more information about TEACCH, visit www.teacch.com.
An individually selected "sensory diet" incorporates sensory stimulation items and activities into students' daily routines to help them avoid or eliminate anxiety and stay involved in learning tasks.
Participation in the trauma sensitive environment promotes social skills development and creation of community building - All SanctuaryŽ tools are modified to meet the unique needs and abilities of children with autism spectrum disorders.
