25 Top Autism Schools in Massachusetts[Special Needs Schools]

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Are you a parent in search of a good autism school for your child or loved one? This article contains a list of 25 Top Autism Schools in Massachusetts, what they offer and direct links to their websites.

Autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise defined (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome was previously identified as separate subgroups.

With the DSM-5’s release in May 2013, (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of The American Medical Association), all forms of autism spectrum disease were combined under the ASD diagnosis. 

To different degrees, these diseases are characterized by issues with verbal and nonverbal communication, repetitive activities, and social interaction. 

Autism Schools in Massachusetts treat students with ASD across the complete spectrum, in line with Advanced Behavior Analysis Techniques. 

These special children are given an opportunity to a better life, through individualized training and a variety of therapy options leading to independence.

The List of Top Autism Schools in Massachusetts 

We promised to show you a list of top autism schools in Massachusetts, what they offer and direct links to their websites. Here are the schools:

May Center School for Autism and Developmental Disabilities

May Institute is an award-winning nonprofit organization that provides educational, rehabilitative, and behavioral healthcare services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other special needs.

May Institute is a nonprofit organization founded over 65 years ago providing a wide range of exceptional educational and rehabilitative services across the lifespan.

This organization is a leader in the field of applied behavior analysis, serving individuals with:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder and other Developmental Disabilities.
  • Brain Injury and Neurobehavioral Disorders.
  • And other special needs.

They are also regarded as one of the largest well-respected providers of special education for children and adults with autism and special needs in Massachusetts and the U.S.

Location: 41 Pacella Park Dr, Randolph, MA 02368, United States.

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Crossroads School

Crossroads School is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with autism and related disorders from birth through adulthood. 

Crossroads Continuum provides services with the vision of ensuring people with autism and related disorders participate in their social communities and lead fulfilling lives. 

The organization was originally established in 2002. Children receive quality ABA services provided by trained Behavior Therapists and overseen by Behavior Analysts. 

Children are trained to develop foundational communication and social skills, through a variety of educational techniques including individual and group instruction, and structured and unstructured play.

Location – 295 Donald Lynch Blvd, Marlborough, MA 01752, United States.

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Boston Higashi School-Autism

Boston Higashi School-Autism is an autism school in Massachusetts that strives to help individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder learn to reach their full potential through the methodology of Daily Life Therapy

This is achieved through the methodology of Daily Life Therapy incorporated into a broad and balanced curriculum, including academics, art, music, physical education, technology, and social education. 

Location: 800 N Main St, Randolph, MA 02368, United States.

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League School

League School founded in 1966, is a non-profit, private school for students on the Autism Spectrum. This school is a leading educator meeting the needs of children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder for 50+ years.

The school offers distinct programs, each designed to teach social, academic, behavioral, and community-life skills based on a student’s age, ability, and unique set of needs. 

They strive to help students with Autism develop to their fullest potential in every aspect of their lives; social, emotional, academic, and behavioral.

Location: 250 Moosehill Rd, East Walpole, MA 02032, United States.

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Melmark New England

Melmark is committed to enhancing the lives of individuals within diverse communities with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families.

This is achieved by providing exceptional evidence-based and applied behavior analytic services to every individual.

Melmark recognizes the unique challenges that families and caregivers face in support of a child or adult diagnosed with autism, or an intellectual or developmental disability. 

Location: 461 River Rd, Andover, MA 01810, United States.

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The New England Center for Children

NECC offers day programs serving children diagnosed with autism and related disorders ( from ages 3 to 22).

At The New England Center for Children (NECC), children diagnosed with autism are provided comprehensive services.

This is achieved through the day and residential programs, partner classrooms in public school systems, consulting services, and autism curriculum software for teachers.

NECC provides staff with initial training, ongoing professional development, and graduate program opportunities. 

Location. – 33 Turnpike Rd, Southborough, MA 01772, United States.

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Evergreen Center

The Evergreen Center was founded in 1982 to provide day and residential treatment services for children and adolescents with severe developmental disabilities. 

The Evergreen Center is a model autism program informed by the methodology known as Applied Behavior Analysis.  

With state-of-the-art facilities and a full complement of clinical services, across a variety of disciplines, students that attend the Evergreen Center receive access to the best evidence-based treatments available today.

Location: 345 Fortune Blvd, Milford, MA 01757, United States

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The Darnell School- HMEA

The Darnell School-HMEA provides high-quality, individualized, and intensive support services to children and young adults who have been diagnosed primarily with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

HMEA’s services and supports also help those diagnosed with developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges.

Services employ the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), proven to teach skills that children need to live as independently as possible. 

ABA Services are provided by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) who are licensed practitioners and oversee a team of skilled paraprofessional Behavior Therapists.

Location: 15 South St, Hudson, MA 01749, United States.

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Nashoba Learning Group Inc

Nashoba Learning groups was founded in 2002 serving children and adults with Autism to function with the greatest possible productivity and independence.

NLG’s School provides outstanding, individualized education, training and intervention services for students aged 3 to 22 with Autism Spectrum disorders.  

This is achieved through the use of research-based Applied Behavior Analysis teaching methodology, and customization of teaching procedures and curriculum for each person.

Location: 10 Oak Park Dr, Bedford, MA 01730, United States

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McLean Hospital- Pathways Academy

Pathways Academy is a year-round, therapeutic day school developed to meet the social, sensory, psychological, and educational needs of children and adolescents ages 6 through 22 with autism spectrum disorders.

Pathways Academy utilizes a consistent implementation of positive behavioral supports and natural consequences to manage student behavior. 

Pathways Academy offers services to students who are:

  • Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders 
  • Struggling with previous negative school experiences
  • Seeking a gentle and individualized approach to education 
  • Struggling with social communication
  • Sensory challenges
  • co-occurring psychiatric diagnoses, including depression, social and academic anxiety, and other disorders.

Pathways Academy’s core curriculum includes social pragmatics (social communication), sensory integration, and a therapeutic environment.

Location:11 Hillside Ave, Arlington, MA 02476, United States.

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Devereux Cares School

The Devereux CARES School provides evidence-based services for children and adults (ages 5-22) diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities.

At Devereux, there is a strong emphasis on skill building using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). 

This school helps students overcome challenging behaviors and achieve success in:

  • Communication
  • Recreation and leisure
  • Social skills
  • Community inclusion
  • Academic skills
  • Self-determination
  • Self-care routines
  • Potential employment

Location: 270 Airport Rd, Fitchburg, MA 01420, United States

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Other Autism schools in Massachusetts

  • Riverview School

Location: 551 MA-6A, East Sandwich, MA 02537, United States.

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  • New England Academy

Location: 96 Cherry Hill Dr, Beverly, MA 01915, United States

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  • Dearborn Academy

Location: 575 Washington St, Newton, MA 02458, United States.

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  • James F. Farr Academy, Inc.

Location: 71 Pearl St, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States

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  • Landmark School

Location: 429 Hale St, Prides Crossing, MA 01965, United States. 

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  • Milestones Day School and Transition Program

Location: 410 Totten Pond Rd, Waltham, MA 02451, United States.

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  • Cutting School

Location: 453 Concord Ave, Lexington, MA 02421, United States.

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  • Center For Applied Behavioral Instruction

Location: 345 Greenwood St, Worcester, MA 01607, United States.

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  • Anchor Academy

Location: 49 Plymouth St, Middleborough, MA 02346, United States.

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  • Clearway School

Location:575 Washington St, Newton, MA 02458, United States.

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  • Cardinal Cushing Centers

Location: 405 Washington St, Hanover, MA 02339, United States.

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  • Judge Rotenberg Educational Center

Location: 250 Turnpike St, Canton, MA 02021, United States

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  • Federation for Children with Special Needs

Location: 529 Main St Suite 1M3, Boston, MA 02129, United States.

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  • St Ann’s Home & School

Location: 100A Haverhill St, Methuen, MA 01844, United States.

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Conclusion 

Children diagnosed with the Autism spectrum are given a right to special education even from childhood.

Find more autism schools on the Massachusetts Association of Approved Special Education Schools (MAAPS)-approved special education schools – all of which offer a vital service to both public school districts and privately placed students.

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