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.

Self Advocacy & Independent Living (SAIL) Transition Program

To meet the needs of the ASD community and surrounding school districts, Switzer Learning Center began our Self Advocacy and Independent Living (SAIL) Transition Program to provide transition services for 18 to 22 years-old students with moderate to severe autism. Students with behavioral challenges are not excluded from enrollment in the program. While utilizing the principles of guided participation and relationship development, the SAIL Program:

• teaches students grooming, hygiene, cleaning, cooking, and other life skills needed to function as independently as possible
• involves weekly community based instruction field trips which focus on accessing community services
• provides students with a variety of supported work opportunities on and off campus to explore possible jobs that may be of personal preference and to gain work experience
• teaches basic money management, purchasing, housekeeping, and computer skills