Finding the right educational environment for your neurodivergent child can seem like a complex task. This guide aims to simplify that process by highlighting five of the top schools for autism across the United States. Each school has been selected based on its commitment to providing specialized support and education tailored to children with thinking and learning differences.
Table of Contents
The Top 5 Best Schools For Autism In USA
| School | Description |
|---|---|
| Autistic Services Inc | Nestled in Western New York State, this school provides both educational services & vocational training, ensuring students gain independence along with academic knowledge. |
| The Jericho School | This Florida-based institution uses Applied Behavior Analysis(ABA) principles throughout its curriculum helping students improve communication, social interaction & self-care skills. |
| Lionsgate Academy | Situated in Minnesota, Lionsgate Academy focuses on nurturing students’ academic and personal growth while providing a supportive environment for individuals on the spectrum. |
| Fishers’ Behavior Analysis Center for Autism(BACA) | BACA in Indiana utilizes intensive ABA therapy to help children learn new behaviors and decrease problematic ones, ultimately leading to a better quality of life in home, community, and school settings. |
| The Autism Academy of Learning | This Ohio charter specifically caters to students with ASD, offering year-round instruction, reduced student-teacher ratios, and individualized lesson plans to ensure every learner gets the attention they deserve. |
What Kind of School is Best for an Autistic Child?
The key to finding a great school is recognizing and celebrating your child’s abilities. Individualized education plans (IEPs), small class sizes, and specially trained staff who use evidence-based teaching methods are crucial components of any good school. In other words, these features ensure that each student gets attention and instruction based on their specific needs. Here is a student behavior chart to help with behavior in school.
Beyond these core elements, consider whether a school offers additional occupational or speech-language therapy services. These therapies can help kids with thinking and learning differences navigate their daily lives more effectively.
Read more: State Medicaid Waiver Program
What State Has the Best Schools for Autism?
The quality of special education programs varies widely from state to state. For instance, Massachusetts and New Jersey consistently rank high due to their robust special education programs and policies supporting neurodivergent kids.
While there are excellent schools throughout the country (as we’ll explore below), some states have more comprehensive systems than others regarding educating children on the spectrum.
Read more: Free Printable Behavior Charts for School
What Is The Best Therapy For Autism In USA?
The effectiveness of autism therapies can vary depending on each child’s specific needs. However, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has been an ongoing research project and has proven effective at improving communication skills among many children with autism.
Note: This does not mean ABA works universally; it’s just one tool in our therapeutic toolbox!
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has also shown promising results, especially with older kids who struggle with anxiety or depression alongside their autism diagnosis.
What State Has the Most Autism?
The prevalence of autism varies across states, but according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), New Jersey has reported the highest rate. For every 1,000 eight-year-olds in this state, about 34 have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
However, it’s essential to note that these numbers don’t necessarily mean that there are more children with autism in New Jersey than other states. It could be a reflection of better diagnostic practices or more accessible services within the state. Therefore, parents should focus on finding supportive communities and resources rather than basing decisions solely on these statistics.
Goally is a great tool for kids with ASD who are looking to improve their life and language skills. It can be used in the home or clinic, and it is tailored to the individual needs of each child. Goally is a digital therapy and teaching assistant that can help kiddos with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Goally can help children with a variety of tasks, including:
- Learning New Skills: Goally’s video classes helps children learn new skills, such as: how to follow directions, how to interact with peers, and how to make a sandwich.
- Increased Communication: Goally helps children effectively communicate wants and needs while also teaching them their first 50 words, allowing children to participate in the world around them.
- Behavior Management: Goally helps children manage their behavior, both in the classroom and at home by rewarding positive behaviors created by parents and teachers.
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!
To wrap things up, finding the right school isn’t about chasing rankings but discovering a place that fits your child’s unique needs and preferences. Goally offers tools and resources to help parents make informed decisions and navigate challenges in raising a neurodivergent kid. If you want to learn how Goally could assist your family, we’re just one call away!
This post was originally published on 07/19/2023. It was updated on 12/20/2023.
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.
