MDE School provides expert autism education and therapy programs specifically designed to support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in reaching their full potential. Our individualized approach combines evidence-based teaching methods with therapeutic support to help students with autism develop academic skills, social connections, and independence in a nurturing environment.
With autism now affecting approximately 1 in 31 children (3.2%) aged 8 years according to the CDC’s latest data, the need for dedicated autism education programs has never been greater. At MDE School, we have developed extensive expertise in supporting students across the autism spectrum, from those who need minimal support to those requiring more intensive intervention.
Our Autism Education Philosophy
Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder thrive in environments that provide structure, predictability, and individualized support. Our autism programs are built on understanding that each student with ASD has unique strengths, challenges, and learning styles that require personalized approaches to education and development.
Our experienced educators understand the core characteristics of autism, including differences in social communication, sensory processing, and behavioral patterns. We create learning environments that accommodate these differences while building on each student’s natural abilities and interests to foster meaningful growth and achievement.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental condition that affects how individuals communicate, interact socially, and process sensory information. The term “spectrum” reflects the wide range of abilities and challenges that individuals with autism may experience, from those who are highly verbal and academically gifted to those who are nonverbal and need substantial daily support.
Students with ASD often demonstrate unique learning patterns, including strong visual processing skills, attention to detail, and deep interests in specific topics. These characteristics can become significant strengths when properly supported through individualized educational approaches that recognize and build upon their natural abilities.
Common Reasons Families Choose Our Autism Programs
Families often seek our autism education programs when their child needs:
What to Expect in Our Marietta Autism Programs
Individualized Assessment and Planning
Every student receives comprehensive assessment to understand their unique profile of strengths, challenges, and learning preferences. This information guides the development of individualized education plans that set realistic goals while maintaining high expectations for growth and achievement.
Evidence-Based Teaching Methods
Our programs utilize research-proven approaches, including structured teaching, visual supports, and explicit social skills instruction. Additionally our four specially trained reading specialists use the Science of Reading approach through the MaxScholar curriculum, which is particularly effective for students with autism, who often demonstrate strong decoding abilities.
Integrated Therapeutic Support
Through our partnership with Greater Atlanta Speech and Language Clinic on campus, students receive speech, physical, occupational, feeding and vision therapies during the school day. All therapists and teachers employ a team approach to addressing each student’s needs.
Social Skills Development
We provide explicit instruction in social skills through structured activities, guided peer interactions, and real-world practice opportunities. Students are supported in developing social understanding, communication, and relationship-building skills in a structured, nurturing environment that encourages meaningful connections and authentic friendships.
Sensory-Friendly Environment
Our classrooms are designed to accommodate sensory sensitivities common in students with autism. We provide sensory breaks, flexible seating options, and environmental modifications that help students regulate their sensory systems and focus on learning.
Family Collaboration and Support
We work closely with families to ensure consistency between home and school environments. Regular communication, parent training opportunities, and collaborative goal-setting help maximize your child’s progress and generalization of skills across settings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Autism Education & Therapy
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Our autism programs serve students from preschool (age 2) through young adulthood, including our vocational academy for students 15 and older, providing continuity throughout their educational journey.
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We recognize that autism affects each individual differently, so we create highly individualized programs based on comprehensive assessment and ongoing progress monitoring to meet each student’s unique needs.
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Students can receive speech, occupational, physical, feeding and vision therapies on campus through our partnership with Greater Atlanta Speech and Language Clinic, with services integrated into their daily schedule.
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We use various communication systems including visual supports and assistive technology to help nonverbal students develop functional communication skills.
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We use positive behavioral interventions and supports, focusing on understanding the function of behaviors and teaching appropriate replacement skills while modifying the environment to prevent problems.
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Our programming includes life skills instruction, vocational training through our on-campus academy, and community-based learning experiences, all designed to help students build independence and apply their skills in real-world settings.
Why Choose MDE School for Autism Education in Marietta
MDE School’s autism programs are built on over 25 years of experience serving students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our Georgia Accrediting Commission accreditation and recognition as “Best Special Needs/Learning Differences School” by My East Cobb reflect our commitment to excellence in autism education.
Our unique combination of small class sizes, evidence-based teaching methods, on-campus therapeutic services, and experienced autism specialists creates an environment where students with ASD can develop their strengths, address their challenges, and build the skills they need for lifelong success.
From our preschool through our vocational academy, we provide the comprehensive support that helps students with autism reach their full potential.
Our son has made a lot of progress since starting MDE. He feels safe at school and his anxiety is less than it was in public school. He is receiving a lot of 1:1 help from the MDE reading specialists. He has struggled with reading for so long but now he has started to read beginning reader books.
Who We Are
MDE School is the only special education school in the Atlanta metro area supporting neurodiverse students from preschool through early adulthood. As a nonprofit private school, we provide personalized education for students with developmental delays who may not thrive in traditional settings.
Our tailored academics, enrichment programs, and life skills training empower each student to reach their full potential in a supportive, nurturing environment. When ready, students can transition seamlessly to MDE Vocational Academy on our campus, serving young adults ages 15+ with a focus on vocational, life, and social skills.
Our experienced team specializes in working with students with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, communication disorders, and other learning differences supporting each child’s academic, social, and emotional growth at their own pace.
Begin Your Child’s Autism Education Journey in Marietta
If your child has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, MDE School’s expert autism programs can provide the individualized support and evidence-based education they need to thrive. Our comprehensive approach addresses the whole child — academically, socially, and emotionally — while preparing them for independence and success.
Contact MDE School today to learn more about our autism education and therapy programs and schedule a visit to see how our specialized approach can support your child’s unique learning journey. Located at 1517 Johnson Ferry Road in Marietta, we serve families throughout the Atlanta metro area with exceptional autism education that makes a lasting difference.
