Autism at School: How You Can Be a Friend of Advanced Sacred Hope Academy (ASHA)!

By Julie Gracela Webb

Ever felt like the world works differently for you than for others? That’s kind of how autism can feel. It’s like having a unique brain that sees and hears things a little differently. And often, the world is a place that can be scary for those diagnosed with Autism. Acceptance is what our school, ASHA, hopes to share with our community. We hope you might help us embark on this journey of encouraging our community to accept and understand our students and become an advocate, a sponsor and most importantly a friend to our students. The current prevalence rate for ASD is 1 out of 36 children and this April we celebrate all those individuals diagnosed for Autism Awareness month.

(ASHA) is a nonprofit independent private school dedicated to the individualized learning of students with autism or other neurological disorders that prevent them from succeeding in a traditional school setting. We use Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles combining education and social-emotional leaning in helping a student reach their potential. Our purpose is to give our students the tools to effectively manage their behavior so that they can move on to and thrive in a traditional school.

ASHA employs a team of patient and compassionate behavior therapists/teachers who celebrates all levels of successes in areas of citizenship, behavior, academics and learning foundations. As most teachers, these dedicated angels/teachers/therapists often use their own funds in rewarding their class as they gain skills they need in life. We celebrate small and big wins, whether that’s recognizing a student’s grade increase from an F to an F+, finally raising their hands rather than interrupting, asking for a break rather than yelling, or recognizing their emotions and using an appropriate alternative respond while sitting with their emotions. Our learners are continuously receive reinforcements for all the skills they continue to learn daily. So, if you’re in search for a nonprofit to support please consider donating small toys or gift cards to ASHA.

Your partnership is vital in continuing our mission to transition learners to the appropriate school setting and we hope to see you at our upcoming events for Autism Awareness month. This article is your official invitation to come and be a part of our mission and to attend an April event that benefits ASHA. Come and be a part of a team that focuses on helping the world be a little less scary for our students. I hope to see you at one of our events or even better come visit our school and be a friend to ASHA.

Emerald Coast’s Poker for Autism Tournament – April 13 at 12:00 PM at the Festival of Fears in FWB Santa Rosa Mall

Autos for Autism – April 20 at 10:00 AM at the FWB Santa Rosa Mall

6^th Annual International Festival – April 21 at 11:00 AM FWB Landing

Julie Gracela Webb is a native of the Philippines, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Advanced Behavioral Health Analysis and the Founder of Advanced Sacred Hope Academy.

Contact her at [email protected]