Curious to learn more about Dynamic Minds Academy or whether DMA would be a good fit for your child? Want to know more about the DMA programming? Scroll through our list of frequently asked questions.
What is DMA?
DMA = Dynamic Minds Academy, a not-for-profit school that bridges the gap between treatment and education for students with autism spectrum disorder by providing evidence-based practices for personal growth within an optimal learning environment.
How does DMA “bridge the gap” for students with ASD?
DMA is designed in partnership with The Hope Source (THS), a high-demand, evidence-based therapeutic service provider for students with ASD. The DMA model will be the first in the state of Indiana to fully integrate modern therapeutic practice with accredited public education for students with ASD. Together, DMA and THS provide students with therapy services and high-quality education. By co-locating in the same facility as a therapy provider, DMA is able to ensure students receive proper therapeutic supports throughout their education.
What is the distinction between Dynamic Minds Academy and The Hope Source?
Dynamic Minds Academy is a non-profit 501(c)(3), public charter school in the state of Indiana. DMA is currently open and providing an integrated approach to education for children & adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.
The Hope Source, Inc. is a standalone therapy provider that offers medically necessary therapies to school-aged children with ASD.
What will the DMA curriculum entail?
DMA’s education programming for grades K-12 will combine Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) and supplementary onsite computer-based instruction for grades 5-12. The online learning component, Plato, is fully aligned with the Indiana College and Career Ready standards and allows flexibility in pacing and sequencing for alignment with STEAM units. DMA utilizes the Universal Design of Learning (UDL) guidelines for it’s implementation of the STEAM curricula which incorporates the Indiana Academic Standards as well as the common Core correlation guides released by the Indiana Department of Education.
How will DMA meet the diverse sensory needs of students with ASD?
DMA is proactive in creating a modern facility with adequate student-to-staff ratios to minimize the common behavioral triggers that students with ASD face daily, including but not limited to: reduction of visual stimuli on classroom walls, low lighting, adjustable seating, sensory breaks and sensory equipment. Students enjoy opportunities to participate in group activities or to attend lunch in a cafeteria setting with school-aged peers but participation is not mandatory.
Students also have the opportunity for frequent movement and outdoor breaks, overall noise reduction, built-in transition time, supportive social opportunities, quiet spaces to request when overwhelmed or overstimulated and low classroom student to educator ratios.