Empowering School Administrators and Teachers: Resources & Expert Services for Autism Support

Founded by a Special Education Teacher, we are here for you!

At Orchid, we recognize the unique challenges that special education teachers face in the classroom.

Unlike traditional private ABA services, working within a school setting requires a deep understanding of the realities teachers encounter every day.

As the founder of Orchid, Dr. Autumn Flick brings firsthand experience from her seven years as a special education teacher. Her journey from the classroom to becoming a BCBA drives our commitment to providing services that are not only effective but also practical for a school environment.

Key Areas of Support

At Orchid, we provide comprehensive services tailored to the unique needs of learners, teachers, administrators, and families. Whether it’s enhancing classroom management, reducing the burden on school staff, or fostering collaboration between schools and families, our team is here to offer targeted solutions. Our expertise helps schools create inclusive environments where learners with autism can thrive while supporting educators and administrators in achieving lasting success.

Learners:

Tailored Behavioral and Educational Support
We prioritize creating life-changing outcomes for learners and build individualized strategies that promote both behavioral and academic success in the classroom. Our approach focuses on fostering independence, enhancing communication skills, and providing the necessary tools to ensure learners can thrive alongside their peers.

  • Customized interventions are designed to meet each learner’s needs while promoting inclusion in general education settings.

  • Specialized techniques for addressing severe behavior challenges, with a trauma-informed approach to ensure emotional safety.

  • On-site support to help learners manage challenges within the classroom, promoting positive interactions and academic success.

  • Helping learners develop the skills needed for effective communication in the classroom, leading to greater independence.

  • We help break down academic tasks into manageable steps and provide tools that support learners' engagement with the curriculum, ensuring that they stay on track academically.

Administrators:

Improving Retention & Enhancing Service Quality
At Orchid, we understand the challenges administrators face when it comes to supporting special education programs. Our services are designed to help schools improve retention and enhance the quality of behavioral support, freeing up your team to focus on what matters mostβ€”helping learners succeed.

  • We supply schools with fully trained BCBAs and behavior technicians, eliminating the need to hire and train additional paras.

  • By partnering with Orchid, schools can avoid the cost and time associated with recruiting, hiring, and training additional staff.

  • Our team works with administrators to develop robust, actionable IEPs and 504 Plans, ensuring compliance and maximizing student success. We also assist with creating Safety Net IEPs, providing an extra layer of support to ensure learners have the necessary interventions in place for long-term success.

  • We offer ongoing training for teachers, paras, and administrators, ensuring that all school personnel have the skills needed to support learners with autism.

  • We streamline communication between families, schools, and our team, ensuring that administrators are updated on progress and support strategies.

Teachers & Paras:

Practical, Classroom-Friendly Solutions
With a background in special education, we understand that teachers need practical solutions that fit into the realities of their classroom routines. Our approach is designed to help teachers manage behaviors without adding extra burden.

  • We work directly with teachers to implement behavior plans that are practical, manageable, and effective in a busy classroom setting.

  • We partner with teachers to address specific challenges they face in the classroom, offering ongoing consultation and practical solutions. By providing continuous support and resources, we help prevent burnout, ensuring that teachers feel equipped and energized throughout the school year.

  • Teachers are equipped with proactive strategies for managing challenging behaviors, preventing disruptions, and promoting a positive learning environment.

  • Our BCBAs provide in-person support to teachers, helping them apply ABA principles and adjust interventions as needed.

  • We help teachers foster key skills in learners, such as communication, social interaction, and self-regulation, ensuring that they can participate more fully in classroom activities.

Parents / Guardians:

Engaging Families in the Learning Process
We believe that strong partnerships between schools and families are essential to a learner’s success. Our parent collaboration services ensure that families are actively engaged and informed throughout the school year.

  • We offer workshops for parents to understand better autism and how they can support their child’s behavior plan at home.

  • Regular communication between school staff and parents ensures consistency in behavior strategies across environments.

  • We involve parents in transition planning as learners move from clinic to school or between classrooms, ensuring a smooth and supportive process.

  • Access to free resources and training videos to help families support their child’s learning and behavior at home. Check our Autism Resource Navigator www.orchidacademy.com/blog

  • We work with both schools and parents to keep everyone informed about progress, challenges, and next steps in the learner’s behavioral and educational journey.

Resources Designed for Teachers & Administrators:

  • Preventing Teacher Burnout Through Professional Development: A Tailored Approach for Special Education Teachers

    Preventing Burnout? Discover how ongoing support, professional development, and a positive school culture can prevent burnout for special education teachers. Learn from personal experience and research to create lasting change in your school community! 🌟 Read the full article to find out how you can make a difference for your team. πŸ’ͺπŸ“š

  • Empowering Teachers: How to Advocate for Yourself When Working with Paraprofessionals

    πŸ‘©β€πŸ« Advocating for Yourself with Paraprofessionals can be a challenge, especially when roles are unclear or conflicts arise. By focusing on key areas like safety, team-building, and clear communication, teachers can create a more positive classroom environment. Remember to approach administrators with solutions in hand, not just problems, and use data to back up your requests. πŸ’ͺ Clear expectations and proactive communication can transform the way you work with paras, fostering collaboration that benefits everyone! 🌟

  • When 10% of Your Teachers Take Up 80% of Your Time: A Guide for Supporting Special Education

    Supporting special education teachers isn’t just about providing resources or managing budgetsβ€”it’s also about compassion and understanding. πŸ’– These teachers face unique challenges, from balancing high parent involvement πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ to managing their own health πŸ₯ due to close, often unpredictable interactions with learners. Simple acts like honoring sick day requests πŸ—“οΈ or practicing active listening πŸ‘‚ with phrases like, β€œI hear you had a tough day,” can make a world of difference in helping special education teachers feel supported. 🌟