Where Differences Connect Us

Our community is built on respect, inclusion, and the belief that every child’s unique way of learning strengthens us all.

Empty bright preschool classroom
A teal-colored badge with three stars: an orange star on the left, a red star on the right, and a dark blue star at the bottom.

MISSION: At DSOA, we believe that every child on the Autism Spectrum deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.

About Us

Detroit School of Autism

Detroit School of Autism (DSOA) began as a small, specialized classroom inside New Beginnings Child Care & Academy (NBCCA). As more families reached out for help with their neurodivergent children, the need became clear. We created DSOA to support these children whose needs weren’t being met through traditional child care and schools.

In 2023, our founder Dr. Pageant B. Atterberry became a Licensed Autism Specialist to better support our students and their families. What started as one classroom has grown into a fully integrated autism school for young children in Detroit.

We are so excited to support you and your family as your child becomes part of our community!

KIds playing on a mat in preschool
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“Children with autism see the world differently — and that difference is a gift. Our job is to understand, support, and celebrate who they already are.”
— Dr. Pageant B. Atterberry, Founder

Why We Exist

The Detroit School of Autism exists because our children deserve schools that believe in them - not despite their diagnosis, but because of their potential. We opened this school because:

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Early intervention changes children’s lives

Children thrive when they receive specialized support during the years their brains are rapidly developing.

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Inclusion must be intentional

Our classrooms are designed for children with autism to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally with dignity and joy.

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Every milestone
matters

We believe progress is personal — and every accomplishment, big or small, is worthy of recognition.

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Our Dedicated Educators

Our team of trained educators, therapists, and behavioral specialists create an environment that builds communication, independence, confidence, and a sense of belonging. We partner with families, honor each child’s strengths, and make sure they feel safe, supported, and empowered to learn.

  • Smiling woman with short dark hair wearing a blue sweater with white flower details and a delicate necklace, standing against a plain white background.

    Dr. Pageant B. Atterberry

    Founder & Certified Autism Specialist

  • A young man with light brown hair and glasses, wearing a denim shirt, looking to the side against a light background.

    Andrew Perry

    Chief of Autism Programming
    (18 yrs of experience)

  • A woman smiling, wearing glasses, red top, leopard print earrings, and a black headband, with curly hair.

    Vanecia Ayers

    C.O.O of Early Childhood Education
    (30 yrs of experience)

  • A woman with gray hair, smiling, wearing a striped blazer and jewelry.

    Para Hall-Reed

    Executive Director
    (28 yrs of experience)

  • Professional woman with curly hair smiling, wearing a navy blazer and necklace.

    Yvonna Denham

    Chief of Staff
    (11 yrs of experience)

  • A woman with long, wavy, pale pink hair and glasses smiling with her head resting on her hand.

    Tracey Tyler

    Chief Financial Officer
    (8 yrs of experience)

  • A woman with curly black hair smiling and wearing a purple top.

    Tonya Kelly

    Director of Training
    (30 yrs of experience)

  • Close-up of a smiling woman with curly hair and hoop earrings

    Chantale Williams

    Director of Community Outreach
    (7 yrs of experience)

Let’s Connect

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

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