Experiential Learning as Treatment for ADHD, Nonverbal Learning Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Vantage Point, a wilderness therapy adventure program designed to help teens with academic or social struggles, announced today the publication of a new White Paper, “Experiential Learning as Treatment for ADHD, Nonverbal Learning Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.” The twelve-page White Paper is designed to help parents, educators, and counselors who want to help a student with one or more of these differences to be successful academically and socially.
Life can be a struggle for just about all of us at times. However for children and adolescents with serious executive functioning deficits, Nonverbal Learning Disorder, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, life can especially be a struggle when adjusting to a changing environment, picking up on nonverbal social cues, understanding different perspectives, and staying focused on the task at hand in a world that is increasingly full of distractions. The individuals diagnosed with these disorders may struggle academically and socially, because their brains process information in a different way than most people.
The therapeutic community has put a great deal of energy into finding ways to help these students gain an equal footing. Pharmaceutical companies have developed medications that can reduce anxiety and improve focus. Many schools have programs with modified curriculums to accommodate these differences, and federal law mandates that schools seek out students with learning disabilities and work actively to make education accessible for them. While every child and adolescent is unique, there is some overlap in the symptoms and in the interventions between Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and Nonverbal Learning Disorder.
- How are These Students Different?
- What is Experiential Learning?
- Why is Experiential Learning So Impactful for ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Nonverbal Learning Disorder Students?
- What is the Power of Experiential Learning in the Wilderness?
- What Should You Look for in Wilderness Therapy for Students with Nonverbal Learning Disorder, ADHD and broad executive deficits, and Autism Spectrum Disorder?
About Vantage Point by Aspiro
Vantage Point is a specialized offshoot of Aspiro Adventure, the program that pioneered wilderness adventure therapy. Vantage Point focuses on helping students with executive function disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Nonverbal Learning Disorders, among others.
The Vantage Point programs are designed to build self-efficacy in our students through overwhelming mastery experiences – our students accomplish goals they never believed possible, which creates a belief that they are capable of changing their own lives for the better. We focus specifically on social dynamics and social skills to help our students connect with others and feel like they can be a part of the world. Experiential Learning is a tenet of our philosophy and our program. Paired with ongoing individual therapy and targeting specific areas for growth, our wilderness therapy programs are proven successful by outcome studies and are overseen by experienced Field Guides and clinical professionals
