FAQ
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- In 2023, the CDC reported 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder
- 5 in 100 school children may have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- 80% unemployment rate for individuals (adults) with disabilities
- 56% of high functioning individuals (adults) with disabilities suffer from
- depression
- More than 3.5 million Americans live with AutismSource: Autism Society, National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
1 in 4 people have no one with whom they can talk about their personal
troubles or triumphs.
The American Sociological Review: McPhearson, Smith-Lovin, Brashears, sociologists at Duke and the University of Arizona
Strong social relationships support mental health, and that ties into better
immune function, reduced stress and less cardiovascular activation.
Dr. Debra Umberson, University of Texas
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.
Source: Autism Speak
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that can make it hard for a person to sit still, control behavior and pay attention.
Source: National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
An inclusive program consists of typically developing children learning and playing together with their special needs peers. The children do not know which ones have special needs. Typically, an inclusive program employs a co-teaching model and has more highly trained instructors than a traditional program. All of the instructors work together as a team to ensure that each students’ needs are being met.
Everyone is different, including children with special needs. For example, some people are good at reading, while some are good at math. We strongly believe that children with special needs have “different abilities” that can be nurtured and developed into strengths. We choose to focus on the “ability” vs. the “disability”; therefore, we refer to people with “special needs” as people with “different abilities”.
“STEAM” stands for the following letters:
S: Physical and Social SCIENCES
T: Incorporation of TECHNOLOGY
E: Principles of ENGINEERING and Design
A: Incorporates ART as a form of Expression
M: Application of MATHEMATICS  in Instruction
We should fully expect that, in the coming decades, many of our leaders will come from a STEAM background. Whether today’s students go on to be doctors, politicians or artists, we know that the challenges they face will demand creative solutions. A background in STEAM will provide them with the tools they need to succeed.
