Jennifer Miller, Public Information Officer, Neighbor

At Spectrum360 (formerly The Children's Institute), we know that an individual's disability does not define who they are. We provide educational and support services to children, teens and adults with autism spectrum and related disorders. With our Verona based Academy360 Lower School serving pre-K through 9th grade, our Livingston based Academy360 Upper School serving 10th grade through age 21 and Whippany based Independence360 serving ages 21 and above, we provide a spectrum of options across a lifetime. In addition to these programs, our FilmAcademy360 and CulinaryAcademy360 programs are open to individuals on the autism spectrum in the general community. Spectrum360 serves individuals from more than 88 municipalities across Northern and Central NJ.

For more than 50 years, Spectrum360 has been developing the academic, social, behavioral, communication, life and career skills of children, adolescents and young adults and adults with autism and related disabilities. We use an array of evidence-based strategies including Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Differentiated Instruction and Universal Design.

Our students have the same learning activities and experiences that are provided to students in their local schools, with all of the 21st century technology, supports and accommodations they need to succeed.

Here, we teach “the whole child”, so that our students can discover and develop their own unique talents and abilities. We offer opportunities for integration into community activities and interaction with typical peers. We promote self-determination in each student so that they can become independent and productive members of the community.

We are a state-approved private school for students with autism and related disabilities. As such, our tuition is paid by local school districts, and at no cost to families. TCI is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Independence360 is approved by the NJ Department on Developmental Disabilities and the NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.