High School Program

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The Chicago Autism Academy High School Program is a therapeutic day program that services students 14- 22 years of age with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Intellectual Disability. This program has one certified teacher per every ten students and at least one classroom paraprofessional for every four students. one-to-one paraprofessionals will be provided with a case-by-case scenario based on the team’s IEP decisions. Our program focuses on principles of Behavior Analysis, Essential for Living, Direct Instruction, and other research-proven interventions. Essential and traditional academic courses are available for students based on their unique learning profile. The program’s overall goal is independent functioning toward successful adult programming that can be used later in life.

LEVELS OF PROGRAMING

Leveled Programming: Each classroom is assigned a level of support for the classroom so that the student’s educational plan can begin to support reintegration as the student’s skills begin to emerge. Some classrooms are a blend of the leveled description to meet the unique needs of the classroom. The students’ progress through the levels based on their acquisition rate and timeline.

Level 1 Programs

Level 1 classrooms provide maximum support for the students. The room’s primary focus is communication, language development, tolerance, waiting, attention, participation, coping strategies, and reinforcement development. There is a minimum of one paraprofessional for every four students and a LBS 1 licensed teacher. One-to-one paraprofessionals are available as indicated in the IEP. An SLP, OT, and BCBA are assigned to the classroom regularly to deliver required services and group services as part of our intensive program. The maximum class size is 10.

Level 2 Programs

In our level 2 programs, support fading begins. Students may still require independent work tasks and 1:1 and 2:1 instruction; however, small group instruction is offered. A primary focus is still on communication, coping skills, tolerance, peer interactions, social skill development, leisure skills, activities of daily living, vocational skills, and essential academic skills (where deemed appropriate). One paraprofessional is available per every four students at minimum, in addition to an LBS1 teacher. One-to-one paraprofessionals are available as indicated on the IEP, but they are most appropriate only when first transitioning into the program. An SLP, OT, and BCBA are assigned to the classroom regularly to deliver required services and group services as part of our intensive program. The maximum class size is 10 students.

Level 3 Programs

Our level 3 program offers small and large (5-10 students) group instruction. Once again, support is being faded to facilitate independence. Instruction is facilitated by the primary instructor with appropriate support designated to meet each student’s unique and individual needs. Research-proven instructional methods such as Direct Instruction, Precision Teaching, and Applied Behavior Analysis are being utilized to assist with the academic curriculum. We offer a combination of “live instruction” and technology-based instruction to assist with developing skill strengths. Social skills teaching and problem-solving social situations are also emphasized to assist in developing healthy peer relationships throughout their educational career. One-to-one paraprofessionals are available as indicated on the IEP, but they are most appropriate only when first transitioning into the program. An SLP, OT, and BCBA are assigned to the classroom regularly to deliver required services and group services as part of our intensive program. The maximum class size is 10 students.

Level 4 Programs

Our level 4 programs are for students who are getting ready to “reintegrate” back into their home district. The primary focus of this program is coping strategies, social skill development, thinning of reinforcement schedules, support reduction, and academic programming (both live instruction and technology-based instruction). There is a paraprofessional for every 5 students and an LBS I licensed teacher. Related services are available based on need and as indicated in the student’s IEP. Classroom size does not exceed 10 students.

The Chicago Autism Academy offers 2 distinct High School Level Programs

Essential Academics Program (EAP)

This program is designed for those students in need of a combination program. There is less support than the CEFL program; however, the CEFL curriculum is incorporated into the day as well as “essential” academics; those academic skills needed to function in the “real” world, both domestically and vocationally.

Program for Academic Enhancement (PAE)

This program is geared towards high school students with a diagnosis of high functioning Autism and/or Asperger Syndrome. There is a strong emphasis on academic studies, social skills, vocational instruction, coping strategies, frustration tolerance, behavior reduction and relationship building through various research-proven methodologies such as Direct Instruction, Applied Behavior Analysis, Precision Teaching, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

High School Course Catalog

Vocational Teaching

Students will learn independent work skills and explore possible interests and skills to help them choose a career path later in life. These skills are taught in house, and when ready, are generalized to the appropriate environment with real life vocational experience.

Physical, Health and Safety Education

Students will focus on sensory, gross motor, fine motor, structured game activities and sports, and overall health and exercise. A variety of courses are offered in our High School Course Catalog, including but not limited to, Weight Training, Team Sports, Independent Sports and Health Education. Other modified curriculum may include community safety, home safety and school safety.

Leisure/Recreational Teaching

Students will learn activities and how to obtain and operate the materials required to engage in leisure and recreational activities. Students will explore their interests and select activities that they enjoy learning more about. Additionally, they can select courses as an independent study and earn credit. Courses may include; jewelry making, creative art, show choir, computers, walking/hiking, and building maintenance

General Academics

(Mathematics, English & Language Arts, Social Sciences & History, and Life & Physical Sciences, Fine & Performing Arts, Physical, Health & Safety Education, Computer & Information Sciences, Foreign Languages, and Family & Consumer Sciences) Academics courses are chosen from our High School Course Catalog. These course descriptions are broken down to each student's individualized learning level and taught through a variety of research proven methods, including but not limited to, Direct Instruction, Precision Teaching, and Applied Behavior Analysis.

Independent Living & Career Center

Students are taught everyday skills needed to be an independent and functional member of society (i.e. balancing a checkbook, managing money, filling out applications and forms, making a bed, doing laundry, cooking, assembling items, working together, facing, stocking, office skills, etc.) using task analysis, visual schedules and reinforcement. Mock work situations are brought to real life so that students have an opportunity

Community Based Instruction

Students explore the opportunity to generalize the skills they have learned into the community. Including, math, language, social skills, reading, behavior, and independent living skills.