Unlocking Potential: Learning Skills Academy Programs for Neurodevelopmental Differences
Developmental disorders, neurological conditions that can interfere with normal developmental milestones, including the acquisition and retention of language, social skills, and other developmental milestones, pose significant challenges for many children. These neurodevelopmental delays can manifest as dysfunctions in attention, memory, perception, language, problem-solving, or social interaction. Learning Skills Academy Programs are designed to address these challenges and unlock the educational potential of students with language and learning differences.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a set of conditions that primarily affects communication and behavior. The World Health Organization estimates that, on a worldwide basis, 1 in 160 children has an ASD. This estimate represents an average figure since reported prevalence varies substantially across studies. Some well-controlled studies have, however, reported substantially higher figures. Epidemiological studies suggest that the prevalence of ASD appears to be increasing. In India, a study by Nair, (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kerala) demonstrated the highest sample size with screening of 101,438 children. This study was conducted in Kerala and was aimed at diagnosing most of the developmental disabilities such as developmental delay, global developmental delay, autism, and cerebral palsy using simple and standardized screening tools. There is a need for such large population-based epidemiological surveys, which will be helpful in estimating the exact burden of ASD in our country. Early intervention based on ABA principles can greatly improve symptoms and quality of life for individuals with ASD.
The Role of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a widely recognized, evidence-based approach for supporting individuals with ASD and other developmental disabilities. ABA principles are used to develop individualized treatment plans that target specific skill deficits and promote adaptive behaviors. Evidence-based curricula such as ABLLS-R, VB-MAPP, and PEAK are used to perform assessments and build individualized treatment plans. CogniABle provides ABA resources that includes 40 hours of ABA Training to improve your skills to manage children in home and school setting.
Comprehensive School Experiences
Many learning skills academies offer comprehensive school experiences that address the academic, social, and emotional needs of students with learning differences. These programs often provide tutorials in the basic skills of literacy and mathematics, while facilitating higher order thinking skills through theme-based content area instruction. They also seek to meet students’ social and emotional needs by providing pragmatic language instruction within a meaningful social context.
A Tailored Approach to Learning: Orton-Gillingham Program
For students facing reading, spelling, and writing challenges, the Orton-Gillingham (OG) Program has been established for a century as the preeminent approach for supporting students with language-based learning differences, including dyslexia. Darrow is one of the only OG Programs at the high school level. The program is further distinguished as one of the very few that offers personalized one-on-one sessions. Each session is led by a coach who has been rigorously trained by the Orton-Gillingham Academy. Orton-Gillingham Faculty at Darrow are trained and supported by our Learning Skills Director, Betsy Feathers, and Laurie Cousseau, Fellow/OGA, ATF/AOGPE, MA Clinical Reading, IDA CDT, CALT, K-12 Reading Specialist, and Elaine Kagen, M.S.Ed, Reading Specialist K-12, Fellow In Training/OGA, Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner, Special Education Teacher K-12. One-on-one students and their OG Coach meet four times weekly during a scheduled period. For students of all ages who face reading, spelling, and writing challenges, OG has been demonstrated to be the most effective way to unlock a love of learning and literacy.
Read also: Understanding PLCs
Admissions Process
The admissions process typically begins with a contact by a parent or a school district, followed by a tour and a conversation with the Executive Director. If WBA seems an appropriate match, the parent or district completes the application and submits information which speak to the child’s strengths and needs; this usually includes the IEP, current evals and a writing sample. The admissions process allows WBA to select students who need, and are expected to benefit from, our program. The decision for admittance is made within two weeks of the visit.
A Legacy of Support
WBA was established in 1985 to provide language-based instruction in the seacoast area.
Addressing Academic and Social Challenges
Students attending learning skills academies often experience academic and social challenges resulting from language-based or visual-spatial learning disabilities, speech and language impairments or other health impairments. These academies aim to ignite the educational potential of these students so that they may succeed in school, college, and career.
Read also: Learning Resources Near You
Read also: Learning Civil Procedure
tags: #learning #skills #academy #programs
