This April, Oak Grove Center is celebrating Autism Acceptance Month – a time to recognize and uplift the experiences of people with autism. We honor the incredible strengths, talents, and uniqueness of individuals with autism. Every day, we are inspired by the courage and brilliance of the youth we serve.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that affects a person’s social skills, communication, and their ability to self-regulate. Autism is referred to as a spectrum because it affects people differently, and to varying degrees. Because there are many different developmental markers of the condition, autism can be challenging to diagnose – and to treat. 

Children and teens on the autism spectrum may struggle in mainstream schools that are not well-equipped to respond to their different academic, social, and emotional needs. At Oak Grove Center, we welcome students with autism ages 5 to 22, and we provide vital services and therapeutic support to help them thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.

When a child comes to Oak Grove Center, our talented staff and clinical team work directly with a child’s family and any referral partners to craft a personalized treatment plan. For children and teens with autism, we offer a variety of supportive services, including:

  • Comprehensive academic instruction based on individualized assessment and state-certified curriculum
  • Fully credentialed educators with autism certification and fully staffed classrooms
  • Licensed clinical therapists
  • An autism sensory room on campus
  • Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral interventions as needed
  • Vocational training programs for students who meet age, grade, and academic requirements
  • Mainstreaming to public schools as recommended
  • And much more.

We work to provide a safe, supportive environment for youth in our Autism Program, where we celebrate differences, spread kindness, and advocate for acceptance. Donor support helps us to better serve our youth beyond the basics provided by other funding sources. When you give to Oak Grove Center, you are directly impacting the lives of children and teens with autism and other mental health and behavioral challenges. 

During Autism Acceptance Month, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a more inclusive and compassionate world – not just this month, but every day. We hope you will join us and make a gift in support of critical programs like our Autism Program.