Autism Program Elements at Rocky Point Academy
Rocky Point Academy offers developmental programs and workshops for individuals and families who face developmental challenges such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention/Focusing Disorders and Executive Functioning Disorders. The programs offered at Rocky Point Academy, include the following:
Learning Readiness Tools:
These tools and techniques create a mental state that is present, aware and ready for learning. Tools can be helpful for sustaining attention, focusing, following directions, communicating, relieving stress/anxiety, reducing constant movement… and more. We use a variety of methods to assist this process: visual, auditory or tactile depending on the participant’s natural strengths.
Self-Development and Awareness:
Developing a sense of self is the first step –it is the first stage of natural development. People on the spectrum have often partially got there but not fully… resulting in inaccurate perceptions, sensory overload, hypo/hyper sensitivities, meltdowns and blockages in learning. Learning is much more than memorized knowledge. Learning requires that the participant is actively involved, empowered and making connections to their own experiences. In order for this connection to happen- one must have a good sense of self to connect learning to. Once this connection is made, learning happens naturally.
Developmental
All programs offered at Rocky Point Academy are developmental- meaning they are addressing the root of the problem and not just the symptoms. Each step builds upon previous experience and establishes a solid foundation for new experiences to grow upon. Being a developmental program means that we believe there is always potential for growth. Our 15+ years of experience with autism has proven to us, that when provided with the missing pieces, participants can attain more than they, or their loved ones could imagine possible. Learning can (and should) be a lifelong process for all of us.
Participant Led and Flexible
We offer a variety of options to best fit individual or family needs. Explorations of each concept can be embedded into everyday activities and routines and is adjusted according to age, ability level, interests, pace and environment.
Engaged and Authentic Learning
Active engagement and mastery of material is assured through a series of interesting, powerful, multimodal (visual, auditory and kinesthetic) learning steps:
- Participant discovers the concept through instruction and investigation
- Participant creates the concept, empowering them with the learning process
- Directed exploration in real-life situations with support
- Self-directed application and experimentation in their everyday life- resulting in lifelong learning, confidence and ability to reach their fullest potential.
Transferable Learning
Other programs that address symptoms tend to drill scripted conversations, practice rehearsed behaviors, or memorized rules. This may help for specific situations; however, it does not enable them to enter into new situations with the confidence or ability to succeed.
At Rocky Point Academy, we fill in missing developmental concepts in a logical, sequential manner. This allows for neuro-cognitive and behavioral changes to naturally and easily occur. Learning becomes so much a part of them, that they can use the material they have learned in a subconscious, automatic manner. This provides a solid foundation on which to grow, and the ability to adapt confidently to new real-world situations.
Support
We understand that it is imperative that the person(s) who is providing the support is instructed and confident with how to continue to support the participant’s progress at home and in every day life. Rocky Point is dedicated to training parent(s)/support person(s) with the most effective methods available. Those supporting participants will learn how to deal with behavioral challenges, support motivation, and encourage self-regulation tools. The frequency and format of ongoing support is individualized for each family. When questions arise after a program/workshop your facilitator may utilize a variety of strategies such as: modelling in clay, video clips, goal setting, discussion and/or reviews. In addition, there is access to ongoing discussion groups with other parents after the workshops.
Rocky Point Academy is a BBB accredited business since 2002.
Rocky Point Academy: Featured Items
Testimonials
Program History
FAQ
Contact Us
Reading, Writing, Math Programs