The Oakmont Program; a program of Sheppard Pratt Health System, is a Type I, 12 month program that offers a graded program to middle and high school students with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD); primarily autism spectrum disorders and Asperger's syndrome. Students may also have other pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), developmental delays in one or more areas, severe behavioral problems, multiple learning problems, and other related disorders including emotional disturbances.
By establishing a comprehensive and integrated approach, the program offers students with pervasive developmental disorders an opportunity to earn a high school diploma through instruction provided by content area certified teachers with the support of other educational staff who are experienced in teaching students with autism. In addition, a fully integrated social skills curriculum is established to support and reinforce appropriate peer interaction during classroom instruction, lunch, job development, and other related activities.
Students may be referred to The Oakmont Program by their public school system special education placement offices when behavioral problems are preventing academic progress in their regular academic settings. Classes are small and students receive instruction based on the Maryland Voluntary State Curriculum (VSC), Montgomery County Public Schools Curriculum, and their Individualized Education Plans (IEP). Instruction may be remedial or advanced and is provided in all courses required for graduation. Students with learning and other disabilities are accommodated as needed in compliance with their IEP requirements. In order to enhance skill development while improving generalization, students in the program will utilize individualized student daily schedule, social skills, life skills, and leisure skills training in addition to academic instruction.