Top 20 Best Autistic Schools In The USA – It is pertinent for colleges and universities across the country to adapt and to give students on the Autism Spectrum the support, facilities, and opportunities needed to succeed.
Many American colleges and universities are already doing just that, and we have provided their list in this article. Presented below are the top 20 best autistic schools in the USA.
Top 20 Best Autistic Schools In The USA
- Appalachian State University
- University of Connecticut
- The Jericho School
- Beacon College
- Rutgers University
- Imagine Academy
- University of Alabama
- Bellevue College
- St. Joseph’s University
- Drexel University
- Lionsgate Academy
- University of West Florida
- Boston University
- University of South Florida
- The Victory Center
- Mercyhurst University
- Defiance College
- University of Alabama
- Camphill Special School
- Western Kentucky University
10 Best Autistic Schools In The USA
- Appalachian State University
- University of Connecticut
- The Jericho School
- Beacon College
- Rutgers University
- Imagine Academy
- Bellevue College
- Lionsgate Academy
- Mercyhurst University
- Defiance College
1. Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University is united with a chapter of Autism Speaks Inc., the biggest autism advocacy organization in the country. That makes it the largest public school. Through Autism Speaks U, Appalachian State University students with autism have access to:
- special events
- various social networking efforts
- academic and career services
-counseling, and much more
The university itself also assists various research efforts regarding autism, gives courses on Autism Spectrum Disorders as a subject, and even offers eligible students with Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificates.
2. University of Connecticut
The University of Connecticut is a space-grant and land-sea public research university in Storrs, Connecticut. It was established in 1881. The university is a flagship school that is currently ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the best public national university in New England.
The University of Connecticut was the 2nd school in America to be invited into Universitas 21, which is an international network of twenty-four research-intensive universities, which collaborate towards a common goal of global citizenship. UConn was established in 1881 as the Storrs Agricultural School, and even though it now provides students with over 100 different majors, it hasn’t strayed too far from its agricultural roots.
The University of Connecticut ranked as one of the Greenest Colleges because of its continued effort to assist the environment and has been nationally recognized for the effort.
The Jericho School
The Jericho School was founded in Jacksonville, Florida. Concerned parents and local entrepreneurs established it to serve the educational needs of children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.
Jericho teaches with Verbal and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in the classroom to offer each learner a well-rounded education. Parents who have sent their kids to this school have rewarded it with a glowing evaluation of five stars on Private School Review.
4. Beacon College
Beacon College is unique among schools on the list of the best autistic schools. Established in 1989, Beacon College is the 1st accredited college established specifically for students with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences. Beacon provides a limited range of Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Arts degrees in subjects such as:
- business
- computer information systems
- human services
- psychology
Students are helped in everything from academic advisement to career development by peer tutors and staff learning specialists. A counseling center provides more in-depth, one-on-one sessions.
5. Rutgers University
Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey is usually shortened to just Rutgers University. It is a land-sea and space-grant public research university established in 1766. Being one of the best universities, it is one of the 9 colonial colleges that was established before the American Revolution, Rutgers.
Rutgers University was the first of the colonial colleges to become public, and only one other university in the group has done so. Rutgers now enrolls over 70,000 students and remains the largest institution of higher education in the state of New Jersey.
6. Imagine Academy
Imagine Academy was established to give their children comprehensive education. Imagine Academy offers its kids an innovative blend of DIR/Floortime treatment and ABA therapy and a rigorous academic program.
The curriculum consists of sensory integration, exercises for developing motor skills, speech and language therapy, and social skill instruction. Any youngster between the ages of 5 and 21 can participate in this program.
7. Bellevue College
The biggest of colleges making up the Washington Community and Technical Colleges system, Bellevue College provides its students with a variety of degree and learning options. Students may attend classes on campus or online as they wish:
- two-year associate degrees
- technical degrees and certificates
- four-year bachelor’s degrees
Special courses developed specifically for students on the Autism Spectrum are available through the college’s Autism Spectrum Navigators program. These courses are designed to coincide with students’ regular class schedules and cover everything from skill development to career preparation. Through the program, students also receive assistance from teachers and peer mentors. Uniquely, the Autism Spectrum Navigators program is available to students on the Autism Spectrum at no additional charge.
8. Lionsgate Academy
Located in Minnetonka, Minnesota, Lionsgate Academy, has a fantastic curriculum for pupils with high-functioning autism. Every student has a personalized learning plan and an individualized education program that outlines specific strategies for achieving academic success and improving employable skills. Children in the “twice-exceptional” category can partake in a unique program established just for them.
More than forty-five parents have given Lionsgate Elementary School five stars in Great Schools. Parents have praised the welcoming environment and are committed to each student’s success.
9. Mercyhurst University
When Mercyhurst University set out to grow its top autism college support program, it ensures to ask representatives from all administrative offices for their input. The result is a united, well-rounded program that assists students in all aspects of their college life. Although it’s done primarily for students with top-notch academic skills, all participants will gain from the dizzying range of services that AIM offers.
In addition to a focus on self-advocacy and independent living, other AIM attributes include early registration for classes, special housing options for students on the spectrum, and an on-site social skills group.
10. Defiance College
This is a private liberal arts school that collaborated with the United Church of Christ. This unique program assists students with Autism Spectrum Disorders to focus on their academic success, social and personal growth as well as ability to live on their own.
Each year, students meet one-on-one with program staff to check their individual goals and needs for the upcoming academic year. This meeting assists the program tailor its services to each student. Additionally, Resident Assistants in the various dorms on campus are trained to know when and how to provide support and interventions.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect school for your child’s education is a true challenge for every parent especially when you know that there are special needs to be attended to. To make it simple, there are many schools in the USA which have been set up specifically for autistic children. Schools that have individual learning plans are the best choice.
Frequently Asked Question(s)
Many families who have a child on the autism spectrum explore alternative educational options. Private schools, charter magnets, and homeschooling are options that have worked successfully for students with autism
Behavioral approaches have the most evidence for treating symptoms of ASD. They have become widely accepted among educators and healthcare professionals and are used in many schools and treatment clinics. A notable behavioral treatment for people with ASD is called Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
Many kids with autism spectrum disorder are diagnosed by age 3 and receive early intervention services. When they turn 3, they’re eligible for additional services at their local school district with the help of an individualized education program (IEP).
Many teenagers with autism do well in high school and head off to college. When they get there, they sometimes run into unexpected challenges. But with the right tools and preparation, college students with autism can continue to succeed. Trouble with organization is common in kids with autism.
Research suggests that food-related challenges have a significant impact on many people who are diagnosed on the autism spectrum. “Poor eating habits” and “feeding issues” have several different causes and many levels of severity.
Reference(s)
- https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisprograms.com/ – 30 Best Colleges for Students on the Autism Spectrum
- https://www.onlinecollegeplan.com/ – Top 20 Best Online Colleges for Students with Autism
- https://themomkind.com/ – 7 Top Schools for Autistic Students in the US
- https://www.bestvalueschools.com/ – Top 20 Value Colleges For Students With Autism
Recommendation(s)
