Profiles & Celebrations
October marks Sensory Processing Awareness Month! This month is all about recognizing and supporting the 1 out of every 20 people with unique sensory needs around the world. Here at Autism Academy we know that all of our students need some kind of sensory support throughout the day. And, we meet those sensory needs always.…
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Today is Autism Awareness Day. As many of you know, I have autism myself, as I am on the spectrum with high-functioning Asperger’s Syndrome. I’d like to talk about autism, how it’s changed my life, and what I’ve learned about it. Being autistic has largely made me not normal in life although I seem normal…
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One of our very own AAED student’s has written a blog about what goes on for a typical day at school. Read about his story in our guest blog post for this week! This year, I am working in the PAES Lab, learning some new skills like how to do some jobs the right way.…
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by Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen AnthonyKaDarrellThigpen@gmail.com AUTISM ACADEMY – Many teachers have a creative touch at transforming open spaces into unique learning environments. Just how significant are decorations at school? Teachers at the Autism Academy for Education and Development (AAED) understand the importance of accommodating students with autism with classroom décor. While there is no known cure for autism, with…
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By Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen E-mail: AnthonyKaDarrellThigpen@gmail.com AUTISM AWARENESS – A recent pitch represented unlimited possibilities for the entire autism community. When 11-year-old Tatum Homec, of the Autism Academy for Education and Development stepped in front of the pitcher’s mound, the compassionate crowd cheered. AAED principal Katie Nieder nominated Tatum for the big pitch. “She has…
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Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen E-mail: AThigpen@aaed.org AUTISM ACADEMY – Valentine’s Day embodies new meaning amongst classmates at Autism Academy for Education and Development, but its history remains unaltered. Most people have no clue that Valentine was a priest and physician. The name comes from the Roman family Valentinus. The name is derived from the Latin…
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By Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen E-mail: Athigpen@aaed.org AUTISM ACADEMY – A new 5-part documentary entitled “Kids First” highlights the heartbeat of Autism Academy for Education and Development – including the ups and downs. The 45-minute captivating video is available on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/sRTHLYMFTAw. The viewer-friendly documentary is separated into 5 sections; The Birth of a Vision,…
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By Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen AnthonyKaDarrellThigpen@gmail.com AUTISM – The Autism Academy for Education and Development (AAED) is trailblazing uncharted territory to increase successful post-graduate outcomes. Two of the school’s newest employees assisting in classrooms are recent AAED graduates. Transition coordinator Karen Durst is helping the school to navigate new pilot programs that best prepare students with…
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By Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen E-mail: AnthonyKaDarrellThigpen@gmail.com AUTISM ACADEMY – During the 2017-18 school year, east and west valley Autism Academy teachers remain steadfast amid strategic transitions to accommodate rapid growth. With a ribbon cutting ceremony in Tempe, a new facility in Peoria, and the Gilbert campus relocating to Chandler, the school is experiences unprecedented…
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By Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen E-mail: AnthonyKaDarrellThigpen@gmail.com AUTISM ACADEMY –Art students designed and painted aircraft portraits to donate for display at Carlisle Companies. More than 70 artists at the Autism Academy participated in the program with art teacher Amy Floyd. Now the art program is soaring even higher with a $5000 contribution from Carlisle. Art One…
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