Monday night at 8pm, be sure to tune in for our newest episode of Hope Saves the Day on Autism Radio Tonight's Show is with Host Paul Cimins sits down with Victoria Marin Founder of Online Learning Academy Adirondack Center.
About Our Guests Victoria Marin is not only a teacher and cofounder of Adirondack Learning Academy; an online homeschool which provides comprehensive, individualized programs of study to suit all students and learning styles - she is also a single mother of five children. Victoria knows all too well the challenges a parent faces with a child within the Autism spectrum; as her own son was having great difficulties in the public school system. With the new data just released indicating Autism is more prevalent than once thought, schools are being challenged to provide increased services for a growing number of children. Upon experiencing several concerns regarding her son’s education within the public school system, Victoria was faced with making a difficult decision. Despite his IEP (Individualized Education Plan), his educational needs were not being met. Direct instruction within the classroom was lackluster. His behaviors were not being properly assessed and opportunities for learning within his environment were not being provided. A trial period in a self-contained classroom led to regression. Despite the public school’s "zero tolerance" policy, bullying also became an issue. While Victoria felt she did not have the confidence to believe she could effectively educate him at home given his diagnosis on the Autism spectrum, she knew she had to take action.
As a parent who knows her child best, she knew the first changes to make were within his working environment. Lighting, noise, colors within the room and external stimulation were factors which needed to be controlled for optimal performance. In a traditional classroom with an average of 20-30 students, it is understandable that such changes could not be easily accommodated. In addition, his teacher was not properly trained in teaching a child on the Autism spectrum; therefore, she became frustrated as well. Along with changes within his environment came modifications to assignments and lessons. Victoria found that working with flash cards for learning multiplication tables was more effective than asking him to write the tables.
With her hands-on knowledge along with being a teacher and Occupational Therapist, Victoria launched Adirondack Learning Academy for the sole purpose of helping children to enjoy learning, to feel safe and to build their confidence in preparation for their bright future in this world.
For More Information Please Visit https://www.adirondacklearningacademy.com/index.php