High School Autism Education Program

THE AUTISM ACADEMY FOR EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT

The right educational environment can be transformative for the academic and personal growth of children with autism. At Autism Academy for Education and Development (AAED), we pioneer specialized education tailored specifically for students on the autism spectrum.

The Best High School for Autism in Arizona

AAED is among the best high schools for autism in Arizona. Founded in 2013 as Arizona’s first autism-only K-12+ school, AAED continues to lead with innovative programs designed to unlock every student's full potential.

Our commitment to excellence is reflected in the achievements of our high school graduates, many of whom have advanced to higher education and achieved significant milestones in their personal and professional lives.

At AAED, we understand that each child with autism is unique and requires personalized attention and support. With our small class sizes and low teacher-student ratio, we ensure that every student receives the individualized education they deserve. This approach not only enhances learning but also fosters a supportive environment where students can thrive.

 

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Transformative Autism High School Programs

Our High School Program, fully accredited and aligned with Arizona Department of Education standards, offers multiple pathways tailored to diverse student needs and aspirations. Whether your child aims to obtain college readiness, vocational skills, or essential life skills, AAED provides the ideal environment for growth and achievement. Because we are fully accredited, students can graduate from A+ Academy with a High School Diploma or certificate of completion.

Academic Pathway: Preparing for Future Success

The Academic Pathway prepares students who meet Arizona High School graduation standards for college or technical school. Our rigorous curriculum ensures that students receive a well-rounded education while preparing them for higher education or specialized training.

Vocational Pathway

AAED's Autism High School Vocational Pathway supports students with modified coursework and focuses on work-based learning. This pathway equips students with practical skills and experiences necessary for successful employment in various fields.

Functional Vocational Pathway: Tailored Support for Every Student

Designed for students requiring a stronger focus on daily living and functional skills, our Functional Vocational Pathway prioritizes individualized support and practical learning experiences. From learning essential life skills to exploring vocational interests, this pathway equips students with the tools to maximize independence and achieve personal goals.

Essential Skills Pathway: Maximizing Independence

Our Essential Skills Pathway is for students with minimal academic skills. The curriculum focuses on enhancing independence in daily living and practical life skills to help students prepare for a productive and independent life. Students can remain in this program until they age out at 22, receiving personalized support to achieve their fullest potential.

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Comprehensive Support for Future Success

At AAED, we offer a unique and supportive learning environment that sets the foundation for lifelong success. Beyond academic excellence, our autism high school equips students with practical life skills essential for independence and personal growth.

In addition to academic and life skills programs, AAED offers a range of support services to enhance overall development:

Speech and Language Therapy

Our licensed speech-language pathologists work on improving speech clarity, expressive and receptive language skills, social communication, and pragmatic language abilities through personalized and group therapy sessions. We empower our students to communicate effectively and navigate social interactions with confidence.

Occupational Therapy

Our occupational therapists collaborate closely with students to enhance skills necessary for independent functioning, such as handwriting, self-care routines, motor planning, and sensory processing. We aim to equip our students with the tools they need to succeed academically and in daily life.

Behavioral Support

Effective behavioral support is essential for promoting social skills, emotional regulation, and self-management among people with autism spectrum disorder. Our behavior support team collaborates closely with families to develop individualized behavior plans that address specific behavioral challenges and teach alternative, positive behaviors.

Social Skills Training

Social skills are crucial for success in both academic and personal environments. Our targeted social skills training is designed to enhance interpersonal communication, foster positive peer interactions, and develop effective social strategies through structured activities and personalized coaching.

Preparing for Life Beyond High School in our B.R.I.D.G.E. Program

Our commitment to our students extends beyond their high school years. Through our B.R.I.D.G.E. program (Building Real-World Independence and Developing a Game Plan for Employment, Education, and Empowerment) we offer additional skill-building, internships, and job opportunities to ensure students are well-prepared for life after graduation. In the B.R.I.D.G.E. program there are different pathways for success for all levels of autism.

Skill-Building and Internships

We provide practical job skill training and coordinate internships that match students' interests. This real-world experience helps students explore potential career paths and develop valuable skills.

Job Opportunities and Community Connections

We work closely with families and local businesses to help students find employment. Our dedicated Transition Specialist works with each student to ensure they are equipped with the abilities and resources they need to succeed, like transportation and interview training. Thanks to the strong foundation of skills and work ethic our students develop, many of the companies that host our interns end up hiring our students.

Enroll in Our High School Autism Program Today!

Join AAED and discover how our High School for Autism program can transform your child’s future. Contact us today to schedule a tour or learn more about our admissions process. Together, we can empower your child to thrive academically, socially, and independently.

OUR LOCATIONS

We proudly serve students throughout the state with campuses in:

At each location, we provide consistent, top-quality support, tailored programming, and a dedicated team, ensuring that every student’s needs are met at every stage of their educational journey, and that your child receives the best education possible.