Special Education School Program Uses Unique Approach For Young Adults With Asperger's Syndrome

Sept. 14, 2012 - PRLog -- Since 1982, the Life Development Institute (LDI), a private community-based organization located in Glendale, Arizona, has served thousands of older adolescents and young adults from around the world struggling with Asperger’s syndrome, learning disabilities, ADHD, Nonverbal learning disorders or related conditions overcome the often demoralizing effects of years of school, social, and personal achievement failures by providing them the instruction, “real world” experience and practical tools needed to lead meaningful, productive and independent lives.

Using a strength-based (non-disability) approach, LDI’s evidence-based, peer-validated pragmatic model is designed to address the specific developmental, academic and career needs of this under-prepared students that are 17 years of age and older through several levels in their transition to independent and self-supported living – from earning a high school diploma, starting college to achieving careers through employment that is compatible with their unique capabilities.

The program focuses its classroom instruction on achieving mastery of specific, major adult life demands in the areas of career planning, social/emotional maturity, establishing independence & competitive job development/placement- which are based on the behaviors that any individual- disabled or not- will need for personal success in their home communities.

For bright, college capable adults with Asperger’s syndrome, LDI embeds developmental content into courses whose assignments & competencies integrate practical college strategies, promote interpersonal communication skills, career development and enhance social responsibility. All students engage in both academic and experiential learning in the ” how to’s” of handling common problem solving & decision making demands for adult life success -especially pertinent to self-advocacy & leadership.

LDI is part of the community, not an “island’. It provides a supportive campus, inclusive residential community, and access to institutions of higher learning that provides the education, skills and training needed to live independently.The usual limitation of similar residential or boarding school situations is that they are “sheltered” or “clinical” in their orientation whereas our setting is an actual apartment complex-not a dormitory, institutional setting, or group home.

The Institute is authorized to enroll and provide M-1 visas for nonimmigrant foreign students by the Department of Homeland Security , is fully accredited through the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation & School Improvement, multi-agency vendor approval & private party paid.

For more information please see http://lifedevelopmentinstitute.org/special-education-pro...