By Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen   Email: athigpen@aaed.org  Positive behavior support is a huge hot topic in Autism education. This practice is called Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which is explained in this article. The Autism Academy for Education and Development applies diverse techniques to support behavioral growth:   Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA),  Augmentative Communication Devices  Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) Individual Behavior…

By Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen   Email: athigpen@aaed.org  Actively tracking your future, allows teacher to gain a better sense of control of your life and prepares you for the kind of personal growth that allows you to live your best life. This is why Autism Academy for Education and Development places strong emphasis on two paths, academic leadership and parental…

By Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen   Email: athigpen@aaed.org  Many families raising children with Autism often get stuck in the struggle of securing the necessary support. Parents invest countless hours advocating for individualized education plans, support therapies, and quality schools. The Autism Academy for Education and Development is raising awareness about their comprehensive curriculum as an Autism-only school. In addition to raising…

By Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen   Email: athigpen@aaed.org  The Autism Academy for Education and Development has a comprehensive curriculum and understands the struggles of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  Our current weekly blog series contains 8 critical growth components, starting with Independent Living with Jennifer Sevier.  The purpose of this series is to provide growth strategies for quality education for a…

By Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen Email: athigpen@aaed.org The Autism Academy for Education and Development continues to experience calculated growth annually. Owner, Laura Newcomb is building academic bridges, meeting social needs, and making education for children with Autism more meaningful nationwide. The school provides online resources to help parents, educators and schools accelerate and advance learning strategies…

by Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen  E-mail: Athigpen@aaed.org     AUTISM EDUCATION – Students at Autism Academy for Education and Development gain a host of support for work skills that aid them beyond school.  AAED transition coordinator Karen Durst and vocational skills teachers Leslie Dille continue focusing on the end game.  Together, they offer students a variety of campus-based and community work programs in the East Valley and North Phoenix.   The…

by Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen   E-mail: Athigpen@aaed.org     AUTISM EDUCATION – The link between science, technology, engineering and math is identifying problems and creating solutions.  That’s what the Autism Academy for Education and Development did in preparation for the 2019 Science Fair STEM Night.  Tempe campus teachers Darnell Cherry, Ronald Burd and Elizabeth Ulrich identified the problem.  The team of teachers went back to the chalkboard to evaluate…

by Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen   E-mail: Athigpen@aaed.org   AUTISM EDUCATION – During a recent Autism Academy for Education and Development Spring Musical and Art Show, elementary students made the night magical.   The sound of music suddenly embodied new meaning.  Music teacher Joseph Arick and Art teacher Chelcee Avis hosted the event as parents packed the audience. While Avis professionally displayed artwork throughout the foyer of Life Community Church, Arick directed the performance…

by Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen   E-mail: Athigpen@aaed.org   AUTISM EDUCATION – In 2013, the Autism Academy for Education and Development opened its doors as the first autism-only school in the state of Arizona.   As accredited trailblazers, their enrollment continues to increase annually, exceeding 400 students.   More than any other school, parents trust their caring approach, academic curriculum, sensory accommodations, 4-to-1 student-to-staff ratio and extra-curricular activities.  The campuses have comfortable classes, spacious sensory rooms, gymnasiums and covered playgrounds.   They provide…

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…