Aspen Education Group Opens Talisman School for Struggling Youth

Aspen Education Group is a well known contributor of therapeutic education programs for struggling youth. Recently, Aspen Education declared that it is converting its New Leaf Academy in Hendersonville, North Carolina, to The Talisman School. This new school is planning to start its service on Aug. 23. The arrival of this new school will serve the growing number of youth who are struggling from Asperger's and other autism spectrum disorders.

High-functioning autism and Asperger's Disorder are both autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). ASDs are a group of developmental disabilities that can lead to major social, communication and behavioral challenges. The Centers for Disease Control reports that an average of 1 in 110 children in the U.S. is suffering from ASD.

Linda Tatsapaugh is the present Executive Director of Talisman Programs and now the Executive Director of the new Talisman School. She has a working experience of 20 years with adolescents. Her Talisman Program carries out summer camps and semester-long programs for the youths struggling from Asperger's Disorder, high-functioning autism, learning disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Linda Tatsapaugh said, 'Adolescence may be the most difficult time for an individual with Asperger's or high-functioning autism. In adolescence, social demands become more complex, subtle social cues become more important, and kids with these disorders may have difficulty understanding their peers and the inherent social status structure of high school. Because they are socially naive, the child may not realize when someone is trying to take advantage of them and they can be especially vulnerable to manipulation and peer pressure.'

'There is a growing need in this country for schools dedicated to young people dealing with Asperger's Disorder and high-functioning autism. This school will be a comfortable place for them to feel safe and be who they are without peer ridicule," added Linda Tatsapaugh.

The new, co-ed Talisman School will have a capacity to afford 61 students. The curriculum involves experimental learning programs, specialized instruction and small learning groups. The main focus of the school is to improve social awareness and interaction, independence, and educational self-motivation. The new Talisman School will add in many of the certified teachers from the former New Leaf Academy as well as the Talisman Programs' Clinical Director.

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