Are you navigating the world of autism schools in Los Angeles for your child? You’re not alone. Many parents face this challenge, wanting to ensure their kids receive the best education and support. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the top 5 autism schools in LA, discuss different types of autism schools, and look into California’s stance on autism services. We aim to equip you with valuable insights to make an informed decision for your family.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Autism Schools in Los Angeles
When it comes to providing quality education for neurodivergent kids, these five institutions stand out:
| School Name | Address | Phone Number | Uniqueness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autism Center of Los Angeles | 14111 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064 | (310) 470-0877 | A private school for children with autism ages 2-21. It offers a variety of programs, including a self-contained classroom, a mainstream classroom with support, and an after-school program. The school also offers a variety of therapies, including ABA, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. |
| The California Center for Autism | 15800 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 | (818) 788-1033 | A non-profit organization that provides a variety of services to children with autism, including a school, a summer camp, and a family support program. The school’s programs are based on the principles of the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication-Handicapped Children (TEACCH) approach. |
| The Oakhurst School | 13325 Mindanao Way, Van Nuys, CA 91406 | (818) 780-0444 | A private school for children with autism ages 2-21. It offers a variety of programs, including a self-contained classroom, a mainstream classroom with support, and an after-school program. The school also offers a variety of therapies, including ABA, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. |
| The Stepping Stones School | 5000 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036 | (323) 937-2832 | A private school for children with autism ages 2-21. It offers a variety of programs, including a self-contained classroom, a mainstream classroom with support, and an after-school program. The school also offers a variety of therapies, including ABA, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. |
| The Willowbrook School | 10101 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064 | (323) 550-7700 | A private school for children with autism ages 2-21. It offers a variety of programs, including a self-contained classroom, a mainstream classroom with support, and an after-school program. The school also offers a variety of therapies, including ABA, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. |
What Type Of School Is Best For Child With Autism?
Selecting the right type of school depends largely on your child’s individual needs. However, most importantly, consider factors such as the class size ratio between teachers and students or whether the curriculum is adaptable enough to accommodate your child’s unique learning style.
Inclusive Schools vs Specialized Schools
Inclusive schools allow neurodivergent kids to learn alongside their neurotypical peers, which can aid social development but may lack specialized resources some students need. On the other hand, specialized schools focus solely on educating kids with special needs ensuring personalized attention but may limit opportunities for mainstream social interaction.
Read more: A List of Special Education Services
The Importance Of Support Services
Above all, look out for schools that offer support services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or behavioral interventions. These additional supports can be crucial in helping your child reach their full potential both academically and socially.
The Role Of Technology
We live in a digital age where technology is integral to our lives. For example, assistive technology tools like Goally’s learning tablet can be incredibly beneficial. They help organize tasks reduce anxiety improve independence, among other benefits. Ensure prospective schools are open to incorporating such tools into their teaching methods if they still need to.
Evidence shows that kids learn best when they’re having fun. Many teachers recommend using learning tech like Goally to engage with kids in a way they love.
In the classroom, Goally can help kids with:
- Following directions by providing visual and verbals supports to help them understand each task.
- Staying on task by providing timers and reminders to help them stay focused.
- Communicating with their teachers and peers through the AAC Talker app that allows them to express wants and needs.
- Identifying and regulating their emotions before children have a meltdown because they are overstimulated.
Goally’s distraction-free kid’s tablet can be used as a therapy tool to help teach executive function, language, emotional regulation, finger dexterity skills, and more!
In short, it’s about finding a balance that caters to your child’s academic needs while also supporting their social and emotional growth. And remember, tools like Goally’s learning tablet can complement your child’s educational journey by promoting independence and reducing anxiety.
This post was originally published on 07/25/2023. It was updated on 12/21/2023.
Goally
We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.
