Educating children with autism is a challenge for both parents and teachers. These children are individuals first and foremost with unique strengths and weaknesses. Some may be of average to above-average intelligence, while others may be below average. Academic
goals need to be tailored to that individual’s intellectual ability and functioning level.
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Highlands Center for Autism is located, on the first floor, in a facility adjacent to the Highlands Regional Medical Center campus. The Center operates as a year round day treatment center and accepts students from earliest diagnosis through school age.
The program has a low student to staff ratio (virtually 1:1) and each child’s program is tailored to their needs. All staff have appropriate credentials and have extensive training in ABA.
Professionals involved in the students’ education include educators, clinical psychologists, speech/language pathologists, and classroom behavior therapists. Consultation with pediatrics, nursing, and psychiatry are also important. Parents are encouraged to observe programming, attend seminars about ABA, work with their children at home, and participate in meetings regarding their child’s education. The program’s ultimate goal is to transition students back to their home school districts.