Academic Director, Nicole De La Cruz
“Through a whole-child approach and blended style, we can maximize every child’s academic potential.” -Nicole De La Cruz
Autism Spectrum Disorder
I chose to work directly with children with autism spectrum disorder because I often felt throughout my education that there was more to autism than just correcting behavior that didn’t fit into the norm of our society. I wanted to be part of changing the way the world sees autism.
Our founder and CEO, Dr. Stephanie Vavilala, states it perfectly in her slogan, “Explore the awe and wonder of awetism.” Autism is about seeing the world differently through processing what comes into your senses differently. If we can begin to accept and understand that people with autism have different sensory processes, then we can start to see the spark in their world and rather than squash it to adapt to “neurotypical” standards, we can expound on it to help in developing the potential of the child.
Through small group instruction, differentiation, progression monitoring, and academic assessments, we are able to take a whole-child approach with a blended style to maximize every child’s academic potential.
We want our kids to succeed and be the best version of themselves, whatever that may be. I hope to see you in our academics program!
Education
M. Ed Curriculum and Instruction, Autism Spectrum Disorder
BS Elementary Education K-6
Florida Teacher Certification, Elementary Education
Our Academics Program
Our Academic Program caters to each individual students’ pace and differentiated academic needs. We start with a free academic assessment to determine accurate student placement as the foundation of their individualized education and understanding their current academics and learning style.
While we are not a school, we do offer an academic program that either complements your existing school education or can be used for your homeschooling.
We utilize the Styer-Fitzgerald Program for Functional Academics curriculum. This curriculum was design by teachers for teachers of special needs students. It is the most comprehensive special education program that enables students to be as independent as possible while getting rid of repetitive busy work. In addition, it allows us to give assessments to determine the student’s baseline and then formulate their academic curriculum to their needs. It also includes IEP goal banks for measurable goals so you can see how your student is growing.
Academics are addressed in a comprehensive and cohesive manner with all components the clinic has to offer to provide an all around functional approach for the child’s life.
- •Small group settings
- •Individualized academics
- •Social skills infused within academic group setting
- •Parents are a vital piece to the success of their child’s education
- •Academic program is in full collaboration with all other therapeutic providers so there is a common plan with shared goals
To schedule your child’s free baseline assessment, fill out the form below and we will contact you.
