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Our Unique Model for Success on the Spectrum Helping students reach their highest level of autonomy motivated John Webb and Dr. Brandon Park to develop the Autonomy Development Model. The model combines the student’s progression through the stages of autonomy with the treatment team’s changing approach as we work together to increase the student’s autonomy…

New Focus Academy and Life Focus Transitions specialize in supporting the autonomy and growth of students who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or similar neurodevelopmental difficulties.                             Student Profile ASD Level 1 and high level 2 ADHD IQ 80+ Nonverbal Learning Disorder…

One of the most common myths about teens with autism is that they have no social skills. While they may struggle with making friends, it is not because they don’t care about other people, but rather because they have difficulty understanding their own emotions and seeing other people’s point of view. They are better at…

Traumatic brain injuries are the leading cause of death and disability among children and adolescents. When teenagers suffer from a traumatic brain injury, it is critical that they get the continued support and care they need. The problems and challenges one faces post traumatic brain injury vary on an individual basis. Traumatic brain injuries can…

It is normal for teens to have ups and downs. These ups and downs are often onset by hormonal changes during puberty. However, autism can bring about more challenges to the adolescent years. Teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can experience more severe and more frequent mood changes than other developing teenagers. This can result…

New Focus Academy’s Holiday Gift Guide for Teens on the Spectrum     While the holidays can be a celebratory and social time for families with teens on the spectrum, it can also be a time of stress and meltdowns for families. It is important to keep in mind what the holidays truly mean for…

Although it is widely known that boxers and football players have an increased incidence of traumatic brain injury due to the nature of the sport they’re playing, it is a little-known fact that the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in children is also traumatic brain injury. And the rates have only gone up in…

  Social communication disorder “SCD” affects adolescents both inside and outside the classroom. SCD can make it extremely difficult for adolescents to navigate social situations on a daily basis. Learning the basic rules of conversation is a much more extensive and challenging process. Some things that feel natural or like common knowledge to us can…

Did you know humans have six basic emotions? Happiness, surprise, sadness, anger, fear, and disgust. From the day we are born we immediately began learning how to express these emotions and identify them in others. Autistic teens may find it more difficult to understand and express these emotions. Social interaction and quickly become overwhelming and…

Do you worry about your child who has a diagnosed learning disability? Well, you’re not alone. Many parents worry about their child’s ability to cope with their diagnosis in the school and real-world setting. It’s natural to want your child to achieve academic excellence and success, but remember that’s not the main goal in life.…