WHAT MAKES NEW FOCUS UNIQUE?
Our evidence-based program paired with our passionate staff create an environment built to inspire growth and independence in teens.
LEARNING & POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT
No child wants to feel like a failure. Programs based on compliance for the sake of following rules often don’t create a permanent shift in mindset. Our students learn the principles behind rules so they aren’t just blindly following a program’s expectations.
USING A STUDENT’S UNIQUE STRENGTHS
Too often a child’s diagnoses & limitations are the defining factor of identity. We base our treatment on the groundbreaking concepts of Positive Psychology. We highlight each student’s strengths and use them to create a plan based on building confidence and motivation for personal growth.
DIVERSE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH
New Focus is more than a residential school setting. Students experience development through various opportunities designed to challenge. Life skills education, exposure to new experiences, and practicing concepts in real-life settings allows for greater independence in our students.
INVOLVING THE FAMILY IN TREATMENT
Our evidence-based treatment approaches are not just limited to the student. We involve the entire family in all aspects of your child’s treatment. From the initial assessment process to aftercare resources and support, the entire family is involved in creating lasting success for your child.
Building Confidence & Indepedence
If your child struggles with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder or other neurodevelopmental issues, you may worry if your son or daughter can develop meaningful relationships and learn life skills to live independently. In addition, many children with these challenges have low-self esteem and feel isolated from others in their peer group.
New Focus Academy helps students gain the skills necessary for greater independence and success. Students engage in educational, experiential, vocational, and social training based on their unique abilities and needs. Our clinically sophisticated approach to helping students build independence and emotional resilience provides opportunities for them to grow and thrive.
HELPING TEENS REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL
Our program addresses all aspects of the student’s life.
01
Communication & Social Skills
At New Focus Academy, students often come into our program socially isolated from peers and lacking the appropriate skills necessary to develop meaningful relationships. Our program identifies each student’s specific social needs and then creates an individualized plan to teach and practice social skills.
Throughout the program, coaches give students real-life examples and positive feedback so the skills they learn are translated to a variety of settings. Through repetitive practice, students generalize the skills and communicate more effectively.
02
Self-Care & Life Skills
A cornerstone of independent living is the ability to care for one’s self. New Focus students learn and practice the life skills they need to succeed. Based on a student’s individual needs, life skills are taught and applied through various experiential activities. Some life skills include:
● Making healthy food and activity choices
● Using transportation
● Self-care and hygiene
● Vocational skills
● Personal Safety
Every student has specific goals and objectives to practice with an assigned coach. Objectives are evaluated and refined as the student progresses through the program.
03
Improve Learning & Achieve Goals
As students work towards high school graduation, curriculum participation cultivates new neural pathways increasing learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Each student’s learning abilities are assessed by experts of neurodevelopmental disorders. Since many students have unique learning needs, the team relies on clinically sophisticated methods and approaches to build individualized plans for each student. Throughout every step of the program, the treatment team collaborates with family members to create challenging, yet attainable goals for students. As goals are reached, students gain the motivation and confidence to succeed.
WHY DO PARENTS TURN TO NEW FOCUS?
New Focus Academy is more than a residential school. Our approach to treatment, led by Dr. Brandon Park, is based on decades of neuroscience experience and research, helping students develop socially and emotionally while learning valuable life skills. Therapists and coaches provide guidance and positive reinforcement, enabling students to navigate life’s challenges. Using our most recent evidence-based approaches, a team works with students and their families to create an individualized plan for long-term success.
