CARD's New Virginia School Maximizes Potential of Students with Autism

Nov. 28, 2011 - PRLog -- The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD), considered one of the world’s largest autism organizations effectively treating children with state-of-the-art therapy, announces the opening of CARD Virginia School, “the right choice for children with autism and related disorders”. The CARD Virginia School, located at 5400 Shawnee Road in Alexandria, is a Private Special Education School licensed by the Virginia Department of Education. Enrollment is now open for children from 3 to 12 years of age.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) an education built on excellence and coupled with our world-renowned treatment program,” says Managing Supervisor Mary Ann Cassell, MA, BCBA. “Our teachers are Board Certified Behavior Analysts and certified educators who have years of experience treating and teaching children with ASDs. “We are confident that the unique needs of each student will be met, allowing them to perform consistently at their peak.”

The CARD Virginia School curriculum is based on the Virginia Department of Education standards and is enhanced by CARD’s web-based program called Skills® which assesses each student’s skills and any challenging behaviors that may impede a child’s overall functioning and ability to learn. Once an assessment is completed, Skills designs an individualized curriculum to address development in eight main areas: academic, play, executive, cognition, social, motor, language and adaptive skills. Skills is being implemented by schools across the country including the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest school district in the nation.

The CARD Virginia School’s mission is to maximize each student’s academic, behavioral and social potential in the least restrictive environment with behaviorally based intervention. In doing so, CARD Virginia School works to:

•   Further the child’s development from academic to self-help through results-oriented teaching
•   Support and educate families so that classroom teachings are enhanced and maintained at home
•   Work with community agencies to advocate for children and families dealing with challenges of autism
•   Conduct and support rigorous scientific research of educational teaching methods and curriculum

CARD Virginia School’s unique school structure offers enrollment of up to 12 students with a one-to-one student-teacher ratio along with structured group activities. The year round calendar includes approximately 215 days of instruction per year.

For more information about CARD Virginia School, enrollment criteria, and more, visit: http://virginia.centerforautism.com.

About the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD):
CARD is among the world's largest and most experienced organizations effectively treating children with autism and related disorders, with state-of-the-art therapy. CARD is committed to scientific research as the most objective and reliable approach to evaluating treatment for autism. CARD’s mission is to conduct empirical research on the assessment and treatment of autism and to disseminate research findings and derived technology through publication and education of professionals and the public. While the primary focus of CARD’s research is applied behavior analysis (ABA) based methods of assessment and treatment, CARD’s overall approach to research includes any topic that may yield information that could potentially improve the lives of individuals with autism. For more information about the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, visit: www.centerforautism.com.