Talisman Academy

Welcome to Talisman Academy, a residential academic alternative for adolescents and young adults ages 12 to 18 with Asperger's Syndrome, High-Functioning Autism, and similar spectrum disorders. We focus on improving social awareness and interaction, independence, and academic self-motivation. In addition to specialized classroom time, our small learning groups (8 or 10 students and 2 staff) take part in wilderness and learning trips that immerse them in multi-sensory lessons in natural and cultural history, geography, and scientific exploration. On and off campus, students practice independent living skills and group dynamics, and engage in focused social skills groups. The academic program is a journey that enables students, who may have struggled in more traditional environments, to seek social confidence and their full potential for life success. Academics: Talisman Academy is designed to help students with issues such as Asperger's Syndrome and Nonverbal Learning Disorders excel in a learning environment that understands and supports their needs. With small learning groups, an integrated curriculum and knowledgeable staff, students receive the personalized attention and academic structure to reach new academic achievements, while earning credits or a diploma. Social Development: Social skills development is integrated into Talisman on a daily basis. In addition to the structured curriculum of the social skills class during the school day, small group living offers many teachable moments on cooperative living, age-appropriate communication, and problem-solving. Residential staff lead insight-oriented group discussions to work through daily issues. Students also learn budgeting, scheduling, nutrition, healthy living and personal responsibility. Experiential Activities: Learning and wilderness trips are an integral piece of Talisman Academy. Our experiential trips allow students to experience hands-on learning based on subjects they are studying in the classroom. Participating in travel helps our students learn to generalize social skills in different venues. In past years, our students have explored the cultural roots and unique ecosystems and geology of the Appalachian Mountains; learned traditional skills such cider-pressing, craft-making, storytelling, and gem-mining as we followed the path of the early Appalachian explorers and the native people who struggled to live together; and taken the ridgeline north to witness the beginning of the presidential campaign and the ongoing political process in Washington, DC, and explored the coastal ecology of the Cumberland Island, GA.