Where Learning Looks Like Your Child

Personalized programs and support designed to meet children where they are and help them grow with confidence.

Toddler boy smiling on a slide
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How We Begin: Getting to Know Your Child

Every child’s journey starts with understanding their personality, strengths, and needs. Families like yours visit our school for a tour, where we observe and interact with children in classrooms and evaluate whether our program is the right fit.

  • Children needing different levels of support are referred to partner programs, ensuring every child finds a setting where they can flourish.

  • 1:1 ABA therapy and individualized support plans are used to provide a balanced, effective experience.

Autism Education & Therapy Programs

Your child’s growth is our priority. Our programs combine early childhood education with therapy to support academic, social, and emotional development. Programs and services include:

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Individual Sessions 2–3 Days per Week for Up to 4 Hours


  • Structured activities and natural learning opportunities to teach communication, social skills, and daily routines

  • Progress is tracked and adjusted regularly

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Speech Therapy


  • Small group or individual sessions to build language, articulation, and social communication

  • Interactive exercises like storytelling, games, and guided conversations

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Occupational Therapy


  • Fine and gross motor skill development, sensory integration, and daily living skills

  • Integrated into classroom activities to make learning practical and fun

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Behavioral Therapy


  • Supports emotional regulation, transitions, and social skills

  • Children practice coping strategies and positive behaviors in daily routines

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Classroom-Based Education


  • Small-group lessons blending academics, social skills, and communication development

  • Structured routines with predictable transitions, hands-on learning, and activities that foster curiosity and independence

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Licensed Autism Specialists


  • Monitor individualized plans, track progress from therapy and classroom activities, and collaborate with teachers

  • Serve as a resource for parents, providing guidance and support

A Typical Day at Our School

Every day follows a clear, predictable routine to help children feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn!

A typical day includes:

  • Individual and group learning experiences

  • Motor-skill and sensory development

  • Developmentally appropriate language, literacy, math, and science

  • Child and staff-initiated learning

5:00am - 8:00am

Shining Sun

Arrival / Morning Nap

8:00am - 8:45am

Piece of toast on orange background

Breakfast

9:00am - 11:30am

Classroom tools in a container

Classroom Activities

11:30am - 12:30pm

Slice of pizza

Lunch / Brushing Teeth

12:30pm - 2:30pm

Moon and stars

Nap Time

3:00pm - 3:30pm

Apple

Snack / Recall

3:30p - 5:45pm

Ball

Indoor / Outdoor Activities

5:45pm - 6:30pm

Slice of orange

Evening Snack / Supper

6:30pm - 9:00pm

Open Book

Quiet Activities / Departure

A child participating in structured classroom activities at DSOA
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Our Goal is to Help Your Child

Prepare to successfully sit, learn, and engage in a classroom setting alongside peers as they transition to first grade

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Practice classroom routines such as listening, following directions, and group participation

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Develop age-appropriate self-regulation strategies to manage emotions, behavior, and sensory needs

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Strengthen communication and social skills for positive interactions with peers and adults

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Your child’s progress is tracked through individualized assessments using anecdotal notes, and communication-centered evaluations.

Start Your Child’s Journey Today

Discover one of Detroit’s top autism schools and meet our caring autism specialists that help your child thrive.