Many children with disabilities and special needs struggle with the traditional school structure. Kids with ADHD often need shorter lessons and tests that aren’t timed. Children with Down syndrome might need accommodations for reading, writing, and testing. Kids with dyslexia can benefit from assistive technology and books on tape. Those on the autism spectrum can benefit from visual aids and other accommodations. Brecksville homeschooling and alternative schooling solutions can make all the difference in helping these kids to learn, grow, and thrive.

Ending Unproductive Schooling Cycles

Parents sometimes spend years battling their local school district for a curriculum that is effective for their child with special needs. Many schools expect children to learn the way they teach. For many kids – particularly those who aren’t neurotypical – the more effective strategy is to teach the way they learn.

Effective homeschool and alternative school solutions are available right at our Brecksville-Broadview Heights clinic, where we also offer speech therapy, occupational therapy, and ABA therapy, as well as social groups, day programs, vocational assistance and more.

An effective homeschool/alternative school solution for your child is one that is going to allow your child:

• To progress at his/her own pace.
• Build on existing reading, writing and math skills.
• Offer an appropriate level of challenge and accommodation, depending on the child’s unique skillsets.
• The ability to actively learn through exploration and discovery.
• A safe, supportive environment in which to learn new skills.
• The ability to balance learning with fun.

Interactive multimedia lessons, text-to-speech technologies, on-board writing tools, and curriculums taught by qualified teachers who craft the lessons around the way the students learn (rather than expecting the students’ learning styles to mold to a singular method of teaching) can make a huge difference in a child’s academic success.

Brecksville Schooling for Kids With Autism

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often experience numerous academic challenges. As reported by Autism Speaks, nearly one-third of children diagnosed with ASD also have an intellectual disability, while about 25 percent are in the borderline range. About 44 percent have IQ scores that are in the above average range. IQ doesn’t necessarily dictate educational success, though. The adaptability of the education, however, does.

Children with autism tend to have problems with social skills, which means the supports they require to thrive may differ from other kids with academic challenges. Having a teaching staff that knows and understands autism can make a huge difference, particularly when the center has the support of speech, occupational, and ABA therapists in the same building.

Schooling for Children With Down Syndrome

Down syndrome can impact learning in different ways, and the special education curriculum at your child’s local public school may not meet his or her needs. Kids with Down syndrome typically have mild to moderate intellectual impairment, along with delays in speech and motor skills. People with this condition have a range of abilities, and can learn new skills throughout their lives, though they may reach goals at a different pace.

Our team of educators assess each child to develop individualized education plans to meet their academic needs and help them make maximum progress. We also encourage/help facilitate physical fitness opportunities, social engagements, and extracurricular activities.

Teaching Kids of All Ages and Abilities

At Therapy & Wellness Connection, our dedicated team of educators and therapists work to develop a learning path that is going to help ensure each child thrives. Among the ways we specifically address unique learning needs:

• Activities that are organized clearly and consistently formatted at each level.
• Concepts summarized, reviewed, and repeated for clarity.
• Students allowed to work at their own pace in learning activities and assessments.
• Concepts taught with extra visuals, such as videos and graphics, as well as through songs.
• Students learn at their own pace.
• Lots of visual enhancements, including increased size, spacing, and contrast of fonts.
• Graphic organizers and pictures are added to practice sheets and tests.
• Activities cater to different types of intelligences.
• Tasks are broken up into units that are manageable – something that helps students succeed and boosts self-esteem.
• Multi-media and group activities designed to bolster emotional intelligence.

If your child is struggling with mainstream schooling and you’re searching for an alternative or need help with homeschooling, our team can help. No matter what your child’s challenges or strengths, our Brecksville homeschooling and alternative schooling models are tailed to help ensure their success.

Therapy & Wellness Connection – your connection to a life without limitations – is a pediatric therapy clinic providing speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and ABA therapy to children with special needs in Northeast Ohio. We also offer summer camp, day programs, education services, vocational coaching and more. Call us at (330) 748-4807 or send us an email. Serving Brecksville, Akron, Cleveland and surrounding communities in Northeast Ohio.

Additional Resources:

Educational Options for Children With Autism, September 2020, By Lisa Jo Rudy, VeryWellHealth.com

More Blog Entries:

Study: Visual Training Helps Young Adults With Autism Land Employment, June 18, 2021, Brecksville Homeschooling & Alternative Schooling Blog