Most school programs for people with autism focus on rewards and punishments for a specific set of goals or accomplishments. But a new approach called D.I.R. — or the developmental, individual differences, relationship-based approach — focuses instead on an individual’s strengths and interest areas. The idea is that if a person can become excited about and engaged in learning by working with others to accomplish something they are interested in, then negative behaviors will subside. The New York Times Magazine takes a look at one Georgia school using the approach. At the school, students with autism take college prep classes alongside electives of their choosing like one called “taking things apart.” To read more click here.

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