NOW ENROLLING
For 2024-2025 School Year
AUTISM ACADEMY FOR EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT
We specialize in providing education to students with autism, Kindergarten to 12th grade. Low teaching staff to student ratios are maintained to maximize individual attention as well as address the needs of each student. At AAED, your child will learn academic content along with Music, Art, PE, Life Skills, and Technology.
Students are engaged with hands-on teachers who provide a multi-sensory approach to learning and real-world experiences. All instruction is presented in an atmosphere designed for learning, acceptance of others, compassion, and encouragement.
TEACHING METHODOLOGY
Individualized Instruction That Is Based On ABA And Structured Teaching Model
- ABA - Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) provides an evidence-based framework for addressing the needs of students with autism within the educational environment. Our teachers use ABA methodology in the classroom to reinforce appropriate behavior by utilizing positive behavior supports
- Structured Teaching Model - Structured technique specialized to the student’s visual processing strengths by organizing the physical structure of the room and providing a visual supply of information about activities
Kindergarten Enrollment
Kindergarten enrollment for the current school year is only available to children who have reached the age of 5 years old on or before September 1st.
ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL
Academic
Students receive differentiated instruction in math, science, language arts, history, and social sciences, the arts, and physical education. Instruction is provided through a variety of modalities and according to the needs of the students by utilizing specific materials or programs to improve competence in those areas.
The general curriculum is aligned with the state educational standards and modified to the individual student according to their needs. Instruction is delivered individually, in small groups, and in-class groupings.
Daily Skills
Our Daily Skills Program gives students the tools and training they need to function with the greatest possible productivity and independence in the community, home, and workplace. Fundamental skills such as sequencing, following directions, meal preparation, household tasks, laundry skills are practiced.
Testimonials
"Happy Every Day"
My son comes home happy every day now.
Jason
"I Feel Comfortable"
I feel comfortable that the staff know how to appropriately manage my son’s behaviors.
Natasha
"A Wonderful Environment"
The communication with the teachers is fantastic. The staff truly individualizes how they deal with each student based on that student’s needs. I especially appreciate the considerations for sensory and emotional regulation challenges, as well as the encouragement of socialization with peers. It is a wonderful environment and has completely changed my student’s views on school.
Amy
"Productive Environment"
Our son feels comfortable and eager to learn in the safe, and productive environment you provide. He feels like he’s finally found the school where he belongs; with like minded, eccentric, caring, and brilliant individuals.
Sarah
"I Love The Communication"
I love the communication from my son’s teacher – the good AND the not so good. I really feel like we are a TEAM working together to bring out the best in my son.
Janice
HIGH SCHOOL
Our High School program is fully accredited and follows the graduation requirements of ADE. We prepare students for a range of post-secondary opportunities, whether they earn a full high school diploma or a certificate of completion. Students may utilize options from a variety of pathways by attending core classes as well as exploring areas of interest including but not limited to robotics, coding, cooking, theater, and marketing.
Each pathway has specific courses and work-based learning requirements designed to provide the opportunity for each student to reach their greatest potential for success upon leaving AAED.
Academic: Students are academically able to complete coursework that follows Arizona High School graduation standards. Students in the academic pathway are prepared to move to a post-secondary educational placement such as college or technical school.
Vocational: Building Real-World Independence and Developing a Game Plan for Employment (B.R.I.D.G.E program). Students are academically below grade level, but coursework follows Arizona High School graduation standards at a modified level. Students in the vocational pathway are prepared to move to a post-secondary placement that is more work-based with on-the-job training and support. They may choose to stay beyond the typical four years of high school.
Functional Vocational: Students are academically well below grade level and need a hands-on daily skills/life skills focus. Students in the functional vocational pathway are prepared to move to a post-secondary placement that has supported on-the-job training and supported employment. They typically choose to stay beyond the typical four years of high school.
Essential Skills: Students have minimal academic ability. The program's focus is independence to maximum ability with daily living. Students will stay for the maximum amount of time, aging out when they turn 22 years old.
WORK-BASED LEARNING
The majority of our high school students also participate in career exploration and preparation. Some students participate in community job training that is focused on developing independent work behaviors and increasing post-secondary school opportunities. Other students take part in on-campus job training opportunities that can include delivery, clerical/ business, domestic / housekeeping, culinary / hospitality, retail/warehouse, horticulture/landscaping, and technology. Skills practiced include performing job tasks independently, working in a group setting with reduced supervision, accepting direction from supervisor, soliciting help appropriately, and maintaining appropriate behavior.
B.R.I.D.G.E. PROGRAM
Building Real-world Independence and Developing a Game-plan for Employment, Education, and Empowerment
The AAED B.R.I.D.G.E. PROGRAM is for students who have chosen to stay for additional time after completing 12th grade. The program is meant to build skills, experiences, and provide opportunities for internships and job opportunities prior to leaving AAED. Students in the B.R.I.D.G.E. PROGRAM have already completed all academic credits and therefor are only working on transition-based skills. The B.R.I.D.G.E. PROGRAM has options for every learner.
