Spectrum Program

Our groundbreaking relationship focused Spectrum Autism Program is for children and adolescents with moderate to severe levels of autism spectrum disorders.  Currently enrolling middle and high school students, the Spectrum Program involves instructional staff and family collaboration to improve students’ functional living skills and social, emotional, and relationship development using guided participation and community-based learning activities. The program focuses on developing:

• motivation and an ability to share experiences with others
• flexible creative thinking and problem solving
• communicating feelings and meaning
• integration of parts to focus on the whole
• self-awareness and adaptable social behavior

Instructional and related support services are provided based upon goals and objectives written into each student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and the Curriculum Guide for Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities published by Lakeshore for California County Superintendents Educational Services Association  and Special Education Administrators of County Offices. Each Spectrum student has an  individual notebook that contains every IEP goal, and staff members track progress towards achieving every goal on a daily basis.  In addition to regular progress reports, Spectrum students and staff email parents at least weekly to report goal progress, demeanor, behavior, and social interactions.

To meet the needs of the ASD community, as well as surrounding school districts, Switzer Learning Center introduced the Self Advocacy and Independent Living (SAIL) Transition Program to provide transition services for 18 to 22 years-old students with moderate to severe autism.