The Piedmont School Incorporated

Autism is a developmental disability that may cause significant differences in social interactions, communication, and behavior.  Currently, The CDC reports that the overall prevalence of autism is one in fifty-nine children.  This estimate is the highest statistic noted over the last decade. Autism occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, but one girl autism is diagnosed for every four boys. There is no single identified cause or treatment for autism.  However, research well documents that early intervention may circumvent some of the difficulties associated with autism.  

 While an autism diagnosis is reliable at 18 months, the average age of diagnosis in many parts of the country is six years.   The increasing prevalence of autism presents significant concerns for medical, mental health, and education services.   Likewise, as generations of children with autism age, their needs will challenge transition, habilitation, and community programs. Essential resources include extensive healthcare, mental health services, and education and preparation for long-term planning.  On average, a family spends about $17,000 on a child with autism than on their children without the diagnosis.  

Consistent with other developmental differences requiring expertise in several areas, no one provider coordinates all needs.  Many times, families whirl amidst the numerous perspectives and recommendations of the specialists they see.  Piedmont offers to help families coordinate services when families wish to do so.

 A Piedmont School education is not limited to receiving a “regular education” program.  The logo of The Piedmont School includes three mountain ranges joined by a winding road.  The three mountain ranges represent the curriculum emphasis on academics, social-emotional learning, and adaptive life skills. The curriculum is enhanced through the receipt of community-based instruction that motivates children to learn and helps them to generalize information.  The mission of The Piedmont School of Atlanta is to provide children with an education that addresses THEIR academic, social and emotional needs, preparing them to be independent adults actively engaged in their communities.   “Our differences do not define us!”

https://youtu.be/gEz8TUcf1pk