Therapy: A wide variety of therapeutic interventions to help children with autism regulate their arousal levels, organize sensory input and thus provide them with the framework to process new information. Experienced speech and occupational therapists consult with teachers to develop individual programs so children can develop the foundations for new learning. These may include oral motor work, astronaut training, integrated listening and Fast ForWord. Motor planning exercises, core strenth and postural stability lay the necessary groundwork for activities like speech, reading and writing.

Academics: We want to teach students with autism academic skills and curriculum is developed with Common Core Standards in mind. Our language based program utilizes the Association Method, a systematic, multisensory, phonetic method to teach reading, writing, speech and communication skills. Students read, write and type daily on school provided laptops, computers and ipads. Math is taught with a combination of Touch Math and meaningful conceptual experiences. The curriculum is science and social studies based and allows for exploration of underlying themes throughout the year in a cohesive approach which integrates reading, writing  and art with the thematic curriculum. Each academic area is supported by technology including Wixie, ViZzle, Fast ForWord, Intellitools, RAZ kids, Touch Math Tutor and Teachtown. Teachers are proficient at adapting technology to meet individual student needs.

Community: In the Arlington community we go swimming, ice skating and hiking. Our program is designed so students with autism gain physical skills they can later share with their families. It also teaches independence, fosters a sense of adventure and gives students a chance to practice social skills in a larger context. 

Farm and Cooking: We go to the farm once a week and have a cooking curriculum that is much loved. Our farm serves as an outdoor classroom, providing a welcoming supportive environment where kids can learn about growing food, caring for the environment, mudcakes and other joys of the great outdoors!

Inclusion: Our location at the Rivendell School in Arlington gives  children with autism a unique chance for inclusion. They can eat lunch and go to recess with typical peers, have reading buddies and be in the milieu of a typical school while having the wonderful nurturing assurance of their own small school.