When I first meet a student, I usually notice their smile. Next, I might take note of what they like to do, or what interests them in the classroom. Never do I notice autism first.

How we decide to “see” a person can dictate how we interact with them.

For decades, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and discrete trial learning were considered the gold standard for autism intervention. Now, we are hearing from self-advocates (and some families) that ABA is not the ‘be-all-end-all.’ When autism was first identified it was psychologists – not teachers – who were considered the first line of intervention. Each of these approaches is based on a limited view of the person.

At The Forum School, we see kids, first and foremost. “Teaching the whole child” has been getting a lot of press these days, but it is not a new concept. We have been teaching that way since we opened our doors in 1954. We do not rely on a cookbook approach to teaching – we tune in to the child and build learning around them. Our work is based on holisitc learning. Our goal is to fully activate all aspects of each student’s personality – intellect, emotions, imagination, body – for more effective and comprehensive learning.

Students are more than their behaviors or their medical diagnosis. They are children and teens, with interests, preferences, curiosities, dreams, and ambitions. And they all have something to tell us.

Our job is to slow down and learn how to listen.

Best regards,
Brian Detlefsen, Director