Autism Language Program

Monarch School for Children with Autism
Shaker Heights, Ohio

In 2002, Howard C. Shane, PhD, was asked by the Monarch School to assist in the development of a teaching model for the Monarch School, a school for students ages 5-22, all of whom are on the autism spectrum. Shane organized a team to achieve an ambitious set of goals for the school.

The goals that evolved from the collaboration were to:

• Determine effective teaching methods
• Develop a natural language-based curriculum
• Develop effective visual supports
• Introduce technology into the curriculum
• Establish a schedule and flow for the school
• Develop an innovative outcome measurement system

Results

• A major program for autism in Ohio, with affiliations with universities and medical centers
• State of the art educational approaches created specifically for students with autism
• New educational building opening in August 2006
• Preschool opening in September 2006
• Use of natural language-based curriculum
• Integration of effective technology throughout the educational curriculum
• Teachers have a unique and effective way of measuring success
• Enrollment increase of 40%
• Students know their responsibilities and easily navigate within this environment