Autism
Crotched Mountain School provides a safe, caring and highly effective teaching environment for students who have more severe forms of autism. Students on the autism spectrum who come to Crotched Mountain School typically exhibit significant behaviors and have additional diagnoses including severe allergies, seizure disorders, communication disorders and other serious medical conditions.
Educational Approach and Philosophies
Evidence-based strategies are utilized to address the educational and behavioral needs of our students. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) provides the foundation of instructional practices. With oversight by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, our educators and teachers' assistants apply the highly regarded Skills® curriculum from Centers for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) in their classrooms.
An emphasis is placed on teaching functional skills, developing social competence and establishing emotional regulation. And older students benefit from a multitude of opportunities to acquire lifelong vocational skills, both on our campus and in the community.
Learning takes place in the context of trusting, respectful and authentic relationships. We combine the principles of ABA with a Gentle Teaching philosophy, which upholds the dignity of students and teachers. For example, punishing and controlling strategies - such as time-out, response cost or restraint - are not used. Instead, we take a patient, holistic approach that seeks to determine the underlying cause of behaviors. We respond with thoughtful, caring supports that build trust and result in improved behavior and fuller participation in learning and life.
Educational and Clinical Staff
Our multi-disciplinary teams of educators, therapists and medical specialists work closely with parents and school systems to develop educational and therapeutic approaches and medical protocols for learning and improved health.
The specialized training and credentials of our educators include:
- Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA)
- Educators and teachers' assistants certified by CARD in the principles of ABA and the Skills®Curriculum
- Licensed Special Educators with certifications in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Because we share our campus with a 62-bed hospital and Health Center, students also have ready access to medical and therapeutic staff with specialized experience in autism:
- Developmental pediatrician
- Physicians
- Nurse practitioners
- Psychologists
- Psychiatrists
- Occupational therapists
- Speech-language pathologists
- Physical therapists
- Therapeutic recreation specialists
Environment for Success
Campus environments are designed to accommodate common sensory and behavioral issues that impact learning in a safe environment. The specialized autism classrooms feature silent, low-glare lighting and sound-absorbing materials on walls and floor to limit sensory distractions. Adjoining rooms offer students a choice for their sensory breaks, including a quiet, low-stimulus environment or a sensory gym equipped with sensory swings, trampolines and therapy balls.
To learn how your student with autism can thrive at CM School, contact:
Melissa Lambert
Admissions Coordinator
603.547.3311 ext. 1894
admissions@crotchedmountain.org