Each school has a support group for parents of children with PDD and autism. These groups also provide an opportunity to meet other parents who have children with similar difficulties. Each classroom schedules regular field trips. These field trips allow us to work on educational and clinical goals in the community. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend these exciting outings.
Field trips vary by school.
In the past, our classes have gone to the Mall to see Santa Claus, the Central Park Zoo, Discovery Zone, Kid-Mazeum, a farm to pick pumpkins, McDonald's, a local park, Marine Land at Coney Island, and the Fire Station. In addition to the field trips, many classes go for regular walks in the community. This again provides an excellent opportunity to work on language goals and socialization goals in naturalistic contexts. For example, students may walk to the local grocery store to purchase items for a cooking lesson. They may go to the local pizza store for lunch.