Mission Statement

With our dedicated and trained staff, consultants, and parents, we provide a safe school that is challenging, accepting, and nurturing.

Our interesting and effective curriculum offers a wide range of opportunities for learning academic, social, communication, behavioural and life skills.

Rising Levels of Autism
In her October 19, 2002 Globe and Mail article, Carolyn Abraham wrote: "Estimates today suggest that classic autism has increased fivefold in three decades, affecting 20 in 10,000 and as many as one in 300 hundred may have the disorder." In a follow-up Globe and Mail article on October 21, 2002, Kim Honey wrote: "The Autism Society of Canada estimates 105,000 Canadians are afflicted and it costs about $2million to treat each case over the lifetime of a patient, a cost they say would be slashed in half with early diagnosis and effective treatment."

Importance of Early Intervention
Research shows that these children have great potential for independent living if they can get the help they need at a younger age. Woodview Learning Centre is dedicated to delivering a program that will start these children off on the right path, lending hope to concerned parents. Every autistic child has unique needs and the strapped public system does not always have the resources to cater to each child.

Importance of Structured Program
The small class size enables the teachers to create a structured program that allows each child to experience success. The program is adapted from the best practices available - proven techniques and practical applications developed by leading experts in autism. Woodview Learning Centre does not use just one approach - the school uses a blend of methods that work best for each student.

There are also opportunities for fun. The school is situated on five acres of property near the Niagara escarpment. Staff can take the children hiking or go tobogganing on the hill behind the school in winter. Some of the students have joined a monthly drop-in for youth with Asperger's Syndrome organized by Woodview Children's Centre.

Promising Signs for the Future
The bottom line is that not every child can flourish in the public school system. This is true for all children but especially for students with Asperger's Syndrome. Still in its infancy, there are promising signs that Woodview Learning Centre is making a big difference for students. One mother says that her son is much happier going to school now. He has a strong sense of friendships. Another mother adds that her son is socializing more and talks about his fellow students at home. Great strides for these children.

Autism is on the rise - some call it an epidemic. Woodview Learning Centre, with great heart - but barebones budget and resources - is responding to the needs of concerned parents. The school invites you to join the Woodview family by contributing financially. Every penny will go to making a better future for these children.