“We researched another autism program through the Cincinnati Archdiocese,” Apple said. “We found they had a program for kindergarten through eighth grade.”
Apple, who has been teaching for 15 years and has a master’s degree in special education, came to St. Albert’s and started working with special needs children. The school started the autism program last year.
“The program is up for renewal every year by the Ohio Department of Education,” Apple said. “Each child in the program must be diagnosed with autism and each can receive up to $20,000 in services with an approved provider.”
Parents must apply for the scholarships each year and there have been six children in the St. Albert’s program each year. The children, who Apple said range from fourth- to eighth-graders, spend most of their school days integrated in regular classrooms.
“I have them about two hours a day, but the teachers work with me to figure out how they can be in the classrooms as much as possible,” Apple said.
Two paraprofessional aides assist Apple with the children, who range from having severe cognitive disabilities to being high functioning.
“Most of my kids need one person with them all the time to help them with social situations and emotional issues,” Apple said.
Occupational therapists also help the children with what Apple calls a “sensory diet,” which includes balance, speech and language.
“It’s also important that peers model for these kids,” Apple said. “They all work together.”
As the second-year program comes to a close, the feedback has been very positive, according to Apple. She hopes to keep expanding the program in order to open it to more children.
“In January of this year we started taking field trips to help the children learn about functioning in real life,” Apple said. “The kids have really done beautifully in the program and we have a waiting list of two or three for the next school year.”
For more information about the St. Albert’s Autism Program, call the school at 937-293-9452.
About the Author