Frequently Asked Questions
Do you take kids on medications? Yes, the majority of our students are on medications. We train our staff in medication administration and our nurse oversees all medication needs. We use a med-packing company to allow easy administration. We strongly discourage parents from altering their child's meds.
Do you accept children with non-verbal learning disorder and related issues?
Our semester program has been designed specifically for students struggling with deficits in social skills. While Asperger's syndrome has the diagnostic criteria that best fits our student profile, we do accept students who do not have the specific ASD diagnosis. Due to differences in diagnoses between doctors and close similarities of other disorders, such as non-verbal learning disorder, we evaluate each student based on their individual profile, rather than their labels.
My child has not been away from home before. How will the program help with this adjustment?
Many of our students have spent very little time away from home, and most experience some home sickness. This is a natural part of the transition into our program and we address it with understanding and support. We find that structured days, fun activities, and guidance from adult group leaders help our students overcome any negative feelings during this adjustment period. Though most of our students miss home a little throughout the semester, within the first couple weeks they are enjoying their time at Southeast Journeys. Since the Journey's experience is tailored specifically to their needs and interests, we often find that students ask to come back even if they initially had a hard time transitioning from home. The away-from-home experience fosters a natural course of development as it contributes to their growing sense of independence.
Southeast Journeys always makes sure each student understands that this experience is not a disciplinary response to their actions. Instead, it is an exciting opportunity for personal growth in which they are privileged to take part. During the semester, students contact home through weekly phone calls and daily e-mails. Additionally, we have a parents' weekend each semester when families come and visit. We understand that students are not the only ones who experience some separation anxiety. To set your mind at ease, our administrative staff call home weekly to update parents on their child's activities and progress.
What is your approach to food? (My child is a picky eater.) We do not use food as reward or punishment. We provide wholesome food that is generally familiar to kids (e.g. hamburgers, hotdogs, PB&J, cereal, eggs, etc.). We encourage them to try new foods. They are given substantial first servings, and must try small no-thank-you helpings if they wish to come up for seconds or be eligible for the occasional dessert. We do have limited meal alternatives, and will never let a child go hungry. We do not feed our students much junk food, and do not accept any care packages with food. We have vegetarian alternatives and can meet most special dietary needs.
How do you discipline the children? We address issues when they happen, in "group": we stop what we're doing and circle up to identify the problem, have the student take responsibility, come up with some better alternatives, and decide whether there is a natural consequence. Group lets our kids practice expressing their opinions and feelings appropriately, and listening to others. Time-outs are used to allow people to calm down and prepare to come to group. Sensitive issues may be dealt with one-on-one with a staff person. Yelling, punishment, and physical discipline are never allowed.
Read "Why a School Specifically for Students with Asperger's Syndrome and Socially Challenged Students?" to learn more about our program.