Rebecca School is an independent private day school in

New York City New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States, located at the southern tip of New York State on one of the world's largest natural harbors. The city comprises five boroughs, each coextensive w ...

that specializes in teaching children ages four to twenty-one who have a range of neurodevelopmental disorders, including

autism spectrum disorder Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by differences or difficulties in social communication and interaction, a preference for predictability and routine, sensory processing di ...

(ASD). The school was founded in 2006 and uses a special teaching method known as Floortime/DIR (Developmental, Individual-difference, Relationship-based) developed by

Stanley Greenspan Stanley Greenspan (June 1, 1941 – April 27, 2010) was an American child psychiatrist and clinical professor of Psychiatry, Behavioral Science, and Pediatrics at George Washington University Medical School. He was best known for developing the f ...

, M.D., a child psychiatrist and specialist in autism education who died in 2010. Greenspan's method was a change from the more traditional methods that sought to change behavior through conditioning using rewards and punishments. His method focuses on children's ability to build relationships. Rebecca School's space and facilities on East 30th Street were specially designed for the needs of autistic and special needs children, based on Dr. Greenspan's ideas. The school utilizes not only teachers who are trained to work with special needs students, but also social workers who work with the families of the students.Braff, Carolyn (2008-11-06)
"A New Approach to Special Needs" ''West Side Spirit''
Retrieved February 16, 2011. Rebecca School is one of a number of independent private schools in New York City that are owned by MetSchools, Inc., which was founded by Michael C. Koffler. Other schools run by the organization include Williamsburg Northside, Aaron School, and Montclare Children’s School. Rebecca School also serves as a case study for Dr. Stanley Greenspan and Dr. Gil Tippy's book, Respecting Autism, released by MetSchools Publishing in 2011.

References

External links

Official Rebecca School website

Official Dr. Stanley Greenspan website

Official MetSchools, LLC website
{{authority control Private elementary schools in Manhattan Private high schools in Manhattan Private middle schools in Manhattan Schools for people on the autistic spectrum in the United States Special schools in New York (state) Educational institutions established in 2006 2006 establishments in New York City