Learning that your child has autism can be a rude awakening.
Beyond the effects of the condition itself, the unfortunate fact is that autistic children are often stigmatized. In extreme cases, they are labeled “low functioning,” reflecting the widespread belief that they cannot enjoy any level of independence.
Former Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District special education consultant Emily Holly has seen the deleterious effects of assumptions about autistic students.
“A lot of times, it’s low expectations and lack of a specific and intentional method,” Holly said, adding that district schools around the nation often lack the resources to devote to autistic children.
Holly added that many schools are hampered by outmoded views of autism. “There’s a lack of presuming competence,” she explained. “It can be very belittling.”
As a result of her experiences, earlier this year Holly chose to go it alone with her own school, going so far as to rent out St. Joseph’s Catholic School’s former property — in one fell swoop founding the Cupertino Power Learning Academy.
“I feel confident I can make it work,” Holly said of the school, which she estimates may attract only a handful of local autistic students its first year. “All throughout the day, we will be focused on communication and controlling our bodies.”
According to Holly, autism remains a poorly understood condition — one she views as a movement disorder rather than the more traditionally accepted variety of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Holly said that she focuses on “positive behavior supports that correlate with students’ struggle with psychomotor regulation: Initiating, inhibiting and sustaining movement, speech and thoughts.”
The approach contrasts with the applied behavior analysis method of teaching and assisting children with autism.
As opposed to ABA, which Holly said is effective for younger students but limited for overall treatment, Holly’s approach is geared toward K-12 students, emphasizing the strengths of each individual so that they may achieve as much independence as possible.
Hers is an intensive therapeutic and instructive method that demands parent involvement as much as student involvement. “Parents are going to have homework. They have to learn to communicate …. Everyone is going to have to jump on board.”
Holly has not yet determined the tuition that she will charge families for such intensive care and instruction, but she said that there are substantial scholarships available to meet autistic student needs. The Empowerment Scholarship, in particular, awards up to $25,000 for yearly instruction.
Local districts, as well, could choose to help pay for a student to attend Cupertino.
Holly said that in addition to her special education qualifications she is certified to teach K-12 students and that, come July, she will have her master’s in education administration.
Likewise, the school will soon be certified as a private day school with the state. Holly added that she looks forward to continuing to work with COCSD and hopes to make inroads with the other local districts to form lasting relationships.
“These children will have a chance at independence and a feeling of self worth,” Holly concluded.
For more information, visit Cupertino Power Learning Academy on Facebook.
