Traditional literacy approaches often take a linear path—starting with letter identification, moving to letter sounds, and so on. At Orchid Academy, we believe in a more dynamic approach. We expose all of our clients to a wide range of literacy skills, from letter recognition to phonemic awareness, all the way to beginner-level books.

📖 Every Child is Different
We’ve found that each child accesses literacy in their own way. By tapping into their unique interests, we build a love for reading and learning. Some children may take an immediate interest in letter sounds, while others might be drawn to stories or visual elements in books. Our goal is to create a rich, supportive environment that nurtures their individual literacy journey.

🚀 The Power of Literacy in Behavioral Change
We’ve seen firsthand how learning to read can be transformative. Many of our clients, including those with severe problem behavior, have made incredible progress once they’ve gained literacy skills. Reading not only opens doors to learning but also positively impacts other areas of development, from communication to emotional regulation.

At Orchid Academy, we’re committed to helping every child discover the joy of reading in a way that feels natural to them.

🧮 Our Approach to Math

At Orchid Academy, we believe that math can be a source of confidence and success for many of our learners. We encourage the development of math skills because it’s often an area where learners can excel and feel proud of their achievements.

⏰ Telling Time for Independence
While not strictly math, teaching learners to tell time is one of the most important skills we emphasize, starting as young as three. Understanding time helps learners know when work is done and play begins, which is especially important for preventing problem behaviors. When learners can tell time, they gain a greater sense of control and security over their day.

📅 Routines and Schedules for Success
Children with autism—and typically developing children—thrive with clear schedules and routines. By teaching them how to tell time, we give them the “keys to the kingdom,” empowering them to better navigate transitions and understand what to expect next. This skill not only reduces anxiety but also fosters independence.

At Orchid, we incorporate math into daily learning in ways that feel relevant and enjoyable, helping each learner build the skills they need to thrive.

✍️ Our Approach to Writing and Fine Motor Skills

At Orchid Academy, we’ve often been called into classrooms to observe problem behaviors in typically developing children, with teachers noting that math was the "trigger." However, upon observation, we’ve frequently discovered that it wasn’t math itself causing the problem, but rather when learners were asked to write out how they arrived at their solution. This is where the behavior often erupted.

✋ The Challenge of Writing for Children with Autism
Writing can be especially difficult for children with autism, many of whom experience low muscle tone. This can make fine motor tasks like writing, gripping a pencil, or even zipping a coat more challenging. That’s why we prioritize fine motor skill development as part of our approach, helping learners build the strength and coordination they need to succeed in daily tasks.

🧠 Building Skills for Everyday Independence
Whether it’s correctly grasping a writing utensil or learning how to zip their coat, developing fine motor skills is essential for both academic success and everyday independence. By supporting learners in these areas, we help reduce frustration and create a smoother path for learning and growth.

🗣️ Communication Skills

The key to preventing problem behavior is to give children the ability to communicate. At Orchid Academy, we use a mix of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and an iPad program called Proloquo2Go to promote communication skills, helping learners express their needs and emotions more effectively.

🤝 Social Skills

Building strong social skills is essential for fostering meaningful relationships and navigating everyday interactions. We focus on teaching learners how to engage with peers, understand social cues, and practice appropriate behaviors in various social settings, giving them the tools to thrive in group environments.