April is Autism Acceptance and Neurodiversity Celebration Month, and here in Latham, we celebrate breakthrough moments for young people at Anderson Early Learning Academy and the Anderson Center Clinic all year long! And whether or not you have a child currently participating in our programs, we want to see your family enjoy the same success.
As you probably know, education in the least restrictive environment remains a top priority in New York State, so there are many autistic and neurodivergent students learning in traditional classrooms who might have unconventional needs. We want to see them thrive, and this month, we offer some tips that might be helpful:
- Before heading to school each day, engage your child in a few minutes of a relaxation exercise or meditation. Calming the nervous system can help the child in your life better manage feelings of sensory overload as he/she walks into a classroom.
- Request time for “movement breaks” when possible. Ask the teacher to consider ways of building some gross motor activity into the day. It could be as simple as a few jumping jacks between lessons, or, in the nicer weather, a short break for a run around the playground outside.
- Ask for the school to identify a space in which your child can decompress if needed during the school day. This might be the office of a guidance counselor or a quiet spot in the library; whatever the case may be, just knowing that there is an opportunity to enjoy a few moments of downtime can give your student some peace of mind.
- Create organizational systems. Having binders, checklists, visual schedules, and written-out reminders readily available can really help a student stay on task. By developing a structured way for students to understand expectations and mark their own progress early on, you are setting the stage for better outcomes throughout their academic career.
- Highlight strengths, and lean into areas of interest! Every child has unique talents and passions. By finding ways to honor them, meet them where they are, and applaud their victories (big and small), you can foster the sense of self that will keep them engaged, motivated, and inspired.
And remember that supplemental services outside of school can really bring to life the academic and personal growth you envision. The Anderson Center Clinic, located alongside Anderson Early Learning Academy at 7 Century Hill Drive in Latham, offers evidence-based interventions rooted in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis which will complement the goals and objectives of you, your family, and your school.
In addition, our social skills groups empower students with the skills needed to develop healthy connections, which will support self-confidence and well-being in all areas of life now and in the future.
We are here for you with convenient scheduling options and flexible payment plans (we do accept some insurance, too!) Learn more at www.andersonearlylearningacademy.org and www.andersoncenterclinic.org.
