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Schools

New school to focus on autistic children

A special-education teacher plans one-on-one help to convey social skills and academics.

By JEFFREY S. SOLOCHEK
Published May 18, 2005

TAMPA - Sabrina Brathwaite understands that educating children with autism can be difficult. She doesn't need to look further than her own son, Dexter, for an example.

Dexter's teacher in the public school system took a leave of absence one year, and the string of substitutes who followed did not understand his needs. As the months progressed, Brathwaite saw many negative traits, such as tantrums, surface in her son's behavior.

A special-education teacher herself, Brathwaite decided to homeschool Dexter and saw marked improvement. Having made a difference with her own child, she wanted to help other families find success.

She will open H-Expect Learning Center on Friday to serve youngsters with autism. H-Expect stands for high expectations.

"There's none in the area like my program," says Brathwaite, who once taught at Buchanan Middle School in Lutz. "I will provide customized one-to-one academic service. Through academics, I will address their processing difficulties."

After an assessment of their skills and needs, students will get individualized learning plans that incorporate their preferences and objectives. The programs will focus on writing, reading comprehension, math and technology.

Brathwaite will meet with each student for 30 minutes or an hour. By working on the academics, she says, the children should find ways to better their communication abilities.

"A lot of them have trouble sitting and paying attention," she said, "so we also will work on interest."

Parents must play a key role in helping their children, she added. Brathwaite plans to ask parents to keep journals so they can talk about their children and better know how to deal with with them.

"You have to be aware of the child's demeanor at all times," she said, "and always have strategies when you're working with an autistic child."

Autism is one of the most prevalent developmental disabilities in the United States. It affects more than 1-million Americans. Typical characteristics include dysfunctional behavior, lack of language skills, hindered motor skills and poor social interaction.

For information, call H-Expect Learning Center at (813) 490-6306. The center is at 7320 E Fletcher Ave.

[Last modified May 18, 2005, 00:50:19]