What academic options are available for your special needs child?

Studies show that children with autism are no different then children without autism, in terms of their Intelligence quotient (IQ). In fact, children with autism have proven to be better at numerical problem solving than children without autism at the same IQ level. These facts have been inferred from multiple studies conducted in the past. This specific study provides a glimpse into the unique capabilities and special abilities of children with special needs.

We understand that one of the major concerns of a parent of a child with special needs is his/her future and education. Should they be incporporated into the mainstream education system? Will they be able to provide for themselves in the future? Will they be able to secure themselves financially? Will they need special attention for the rest of their lives? Some autistic children can receive mainstream education, but only after some measures are taken by both the school and the parents to accommodate the child within the existing curriculum. These students will need to be given special support, extra attention and extra books and additional learning tools. Different teaching methods may need to be implemented and extra time for submission of assignments and projects may be required. These are just a few examples of the measures a school can take to accommodate children with autism. Particular psychiatric and neuropsychological reports must be generated on a regular basis to ensure that the child is experiencing a positive educational experience and that all of their needs are being met.

While some special needs children can be accommodated within mainstream schools, it is important to remember that for an autistic child to receive the best possible education, the educational program should be dynamic and open to being individualized according to each student's specific abilities and needs. Even if your child is not able to receive mainstream education, do not fret. In many cases, most of the students can still make a career out of their strengths and special talents, but only if the right educational system is applied and attention is given to the student's strengths and progression within the program.

At Rebecca School, a school for autistic children and children with special needs, we design our curriculum according to a child’s mental and developmental requirements. We keep our academic system very flexible to allow it to be modified according to a student’s functional capabilities. This creates a unique educational program for each student. We educate our students to help them move up the Functionally Emotional and Developmental Capabilities (FEDC) ladder. 

The academic structure we follow is imparted in a therapeutic manner. It is done in a way that students can relate to. In mathematics for example, our focus is on measurement, number series, and time/space - emphasizing on process over product. In the literary field, our texts encourage them to comprehend, predict and infer from the poems and stories we present. We attach science to each student’s own surrounding, which helps them relate to the subject as well as grasp the happenings of their surroundings, explain and express them. Autistic children may find it difficult to communicate with people. Through social studies, we help our students learn to relate and communicate with the world around them, with a constant focus on comprehension and not memorization. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about Rebecca School and schedule a tour to visit our community in person.