6 Ways ASD Schools Support Student & Community Success
Did you know…?
About 1 in 36 children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
“The need for autism treatments in our community is great. Just months after opening, our third facility is already at capacity.”
Kristine Quinby, President & CEO, Potential
For many families, an ASD diagnosis can feel like a significant change, leading to questions like…
What is an estimated timeline for my child to be able to dress themselves, drive, or live independently?
What if my child with ASD has additional learning or medical needs?
What does a routine life for someone with autism look like?
Before heading down the rabbit hole, take a second to learn more about how ASD schools like Potenial offer a reality for children and adults with autism where high-quality treatment and education are available.
Support more accessible ABA treatments and therapies.
6 Ways ASD Schools Act As Catalysts For Community-Wide Growth
Walk through the 6 different ways ASD schools ignite and inspire change with Potential’s staff member, activity planner, and donor, Lisa Heppard, RBT, ASN.
1. ASD Schools & Services Become More Accessible
Lisa Heppard recalls memories with her son Eric (now in his 30s) with autism, pointing out a lack of ASD support and services in the 90s and early 2000s. Knowing his educational options were so limited, she did what any dedicated mother would do – she became her son’s best advocate. What started as a way to get her son off the couch and engaged with the world around him turned out to be one of the best life decisions she could make.
“There are so many Erics out there, and I feel like an ASD school is where you need to be to see a difference.”
Lisa Heppard, RBT, ASN, Potential Staff Member & Donor
[1] 90% of students in ASD schools showed improved life skills, self-care, and daily living tasks compared to their peers in traditional settings. As ASD school availability expands, the greater impact you’ll see throughout the community.
2. Economic Impact
Increasing the number of ASD schools creates more jobs for specialized educators, therapists, and other professionals. As ASD schools expand and become respected and well–established, the more they help nurture entire communities by bringing multiple levels of skills and experience together in a certain city, neighborhood, or county.
Rather than relying on isolated or disconnected staff, teamwork is heavily encouraged among educators, paraprofessionals, and behavior analysts to provide the best support for students.
3. Enhanced Awareness & Understanding
Judgment often comes from a lack of understanding. And it’s easy for others to judge when they don’t walk in your shoes. Offering educational tools and resources helps minimize the focus on stereotypes, leaving room for community growth.
In fact, 75% of parents reported significant improvements in their child’s social skills after attending an ASD school, creating better social interactions.
“The more our kids are out in the community… the more acceptance I feel they receive.”
Lisa Heppard, RBT, ASN
Inspiring others to lead community efforts with empathy takes time and dedication. More importantly, supporting individuals on the spectrum works best with personalized ABA treatments and an environment that meets various needs.
4. Strengthening Family Support Networks
It costs families about $60,000 a year to support an individual with ASD. Along with social expectations, constant pressure, and routine stress, parents and caregivers could use a welcoming network they can count on.
ASD schools offer unmatched resources for families and caregivers including:
- Community Events
- Workshops
- Parent Support Groups
- Sibling Programs
It’s hard to feel vulnerable and open up to ask for help – even when you truly need it. However, Lisa says,
“Ask for help. Please do…and find the resources that you need. It’s what we’re here for…we care, both inside and outside these four walls.”
Lisa Heppard, RBT, ASN
Want to help us expand ABA services for individuals and their families? Join our push for progress.
5. Cultivating Meaningful Interactions With Activities & Volunteering
ASD schools often partner with local organizations for students to engage in community projects. This approach helps students develop essential life skills like communication and empathy while reinforcing the value of volunteering.
Lisa, for example, organizes student visits to a food pantry and nursing home to emphasize the importance of community involvement. Nonprofits are ideal for volunteering as they are usually more understanding and flexible regarding scheduling, which better supports students on the spectrum.
Furthermore, Lisa also arranges activities such as grocery shopping during low peak hours to help students practice essential life skills like maintaining social interactions and task management.
6. Creating Worldwide Change
On top of reducing the stigma surrounding autism, it helps society to move away from awareness and into an era of autism acceptance. Supporting ASD schools gives those individuals more opportunities to improve communication, enhance social skills, and increase their overall quality of life.
Supportive communities also make it easier for reputable institutions that specialize in working with children and adults with ASD to provide…
- Educational articles, blogs, and insight
- Community updates
- Big wins
- Autism-friendly events nearby
- Fundraising events
- Opportunities to donate
- Useful resources for families and caregivers
Coming together to inspire change and care for the well-being of others builds the strong partners, friends, and local businesses needed to thrive.
ABA Treatment With High-Quality Care Pairs Well For Bucks & Philadelphia Autism Services
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) schools like Potential provide specialized educational programs designed to meet the unique needs of students with autism. These schools focus on individualized learning approaches, incorporating therapies and support systems that help students develop essential skills in communication, social interaction, and daily living.
All children diagnosed with autism have the right to an education tailored to their learning styles, abilities, and specific needs. Yet, nearly 30% of children with autism in the U.S. don’t receive any behavioral or medical treatment.
The bottom line…?
It’s time to do things differently for our friends, siblings, cousins, and family members with autism – because they deserve it.
Creating Greater Impact With Fundraising For The Whole Family
The 8th Annual Car Show for Autism is just around the corner. The need for greater public understanding and acceptance of autism is one thing. Moving beyond stereotypes to stress the need for adequate, accessible treatments for autistic individuals and their families is a whole other revolution. It’s also one that Potential is proud to be part of since 2006.
Interested in expanding Potential’s schools, services, and opportunities? Make a direct impact.