April 2021
News, updates and perspectives on the
future of education from Learn4Life
"I Can't Talk, But I Have a Lot to Say."
Autism Awareness Month is a chance to highlight the one in 59 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Students like John B., who suffered a severe illness as a toddler which left him silent and diagnosed with non-verbal autism. 
 
John’s kindergarten teacher introduced him to facilitated communication so he could express himself using a talking iPad. But as a teen, John found that traditional public high schools were not able or willing to accommodate his needs for success. He and his mom discovered Learn4Life, and this is where John found his voice. For the first time he was able to tell his mom how much he loves her.
Autistic Students Especially Need a Personalized Education
Hailey was diagnosed with autism when she was six. Despite being placed in various special education programs, she fell behind in school, which made her frustrated and angry. She had limited social skills, was bullied, isolated and very unhappy. In high school, she was placed in a group with other autistic students, but recalls being treated like a baby and was bored because she wasn’t given a plan tailored to her strengths. Hailey finished school but didn’t earn a high school diploma or a GED because she was too far behind in core subjects due to the nature of her program.
Dual Enrollment Helps At-Risk Students Succeed in College
National Community College Month brings recognition to the advantages it gives at-risk youth. While about 30 percent of college freshmen drop out in their first year, our dual enrollment students tend to be more successful in college. According to our data, a majority of its students who earn dual enrollment credits and go on to post-secondary education remain engaged in their schooling after their first year.

Vice President of Education Innovation, Michelle Harvey, credits this to our personalized model that provides one-on-one instruction and flexibility.