The St. Anthony School and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD 1 & 2)
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder and how does it affect students?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability explained as a range of conditions characterized by difficulty with social skills, repetitive and restrictive behaviors, and challenges with speech and nonverbal communication. The autism spectrum is divided into three levels, each requiring a different level of support (level 1 requiring the least amount of support, level 3 requiring the most support). ASD 1 is formerly known as Asperger’s Syndrome or more commonly known as high functioning autism (HFA). Each child with autism has a specific set of strengths and challenges, and The St. Anthony School is equipped to foster and manage every characteristic. A student with autism may demonstrate trouble in school through executive functioning deficits, sensory processing disorders, attentional issues, or struggles with peer relationships.
The St. Anthony School Approach to Autism Spectrum Disorder
The St. Anthony School provides a specially designed program in order to support students with ASD Level 1 and 2. Staff members at The St. Anthony School are trained professionals in working with students with autism, and they understand that a student’s emotional well-being must be in place before learning can occur. Each classroom was developed to encourage low sensory stimulation, and there are multiple sensory rooms and monitored common areas where students can choose to spend their time. The St. Anthony School uses selective diagnostics to determine appropriate academic placement for each student on campus. When students are in a safe and appropriate academic environment, their potential for growth is unlimited.
Academic and Emotional Accommodations and Modifications
Students with autism at The St. Anthony School are offered many accommodations in order to create a learning environment tailored to their specific needs. These accommodations are built into daily routines so as to not single out any one student. Students are encouraged to self-advocate and take a break when they begin feeling overwhelmed, upset, or frustrated. Teachers at The St. Anthony School understand the symptoms of autism are diverse, and they are sensitive to each student’s specific needs. Extra time to complete assignments, working in a different learning environment, and altered format of materials (i.e. extra spacing, use of word banks, or multiple choice etc.) are all accommodations given to students with mood disorders at The St. Anthony School.
Modifications alter the curriculum given to a student. If a student is suffering from symptoms of autism, he or she may not be performing to his or her highest potential. The St. Anthony School staff are trained to see the difference between a learning disability and autism. A student with autism may start with a modified curriculum until they are comfortable in the setting, then he or she will be placed in the appropriate academic class for his or her abilities.