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About Us
What We Do
Beyond the Spectrum is a nonprofit education center and therapeutic clinic serving students ages 5 and older in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties diagnosed with autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, and related developmental disorders. We offer four specialized programs for learners that focus on different areas of growth: academic, functional/vocational, and foundational. Beyond the Spectrum is an Accredited Member School as deemed by the standards of the Association of Independent Schools of Florida and the National Council for Private School Accreditation, where high school students can earn modified credits to graduate with a diploma. Our organization also hosts a wide variety of therapies throughout the school day to enhance our students' learning experiences, including speech, ABA, OT and PT, music, dance, and mental health counseling. Additionally, we have an Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy Clinic on our campus where clients work one-on-one with registered behavioral therapists to increase their self-advocacy and independent abilities.
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Our History
Beyond the Spectrum initially opened its doors as a therapy clinic in 2007. When we found that the greater need in our community was a school for children with Autism and related disorders, Beyond the Spectrum reopened as a non-profit Education Center in the fall of 2010. Since then, our programs have grown from eleven students spanning three classrooms to almost ninety students among twenty-one classrooms!
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At Beyond the Spectrum, we believe that every child deserves to be loved and accepted for who they are. We are here to support both the children and families of our community affected by Autism and other related disorders. Let us show how the environment at Beyond the Spectrum can change your child's life.
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A Message from Our Executive Director
At Beyond the Spectrum, our mission will always emphasize the importance of inclusion and acceptance. Our goal is to foster an environment of warmth, positivity, and flexibility. We believe in meeting our students where they're at to help them Go Beyond!
-Lora Carpenter
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