Turning Pointe Autism Foundation is developing a school and residential care homes to provide services to students and adults with autism in Naperville, Illinois. This project will provide a local resource, educational and recreational facility for 36 children and their families from Naperville and surrounding communities. The new school and recreation center will include classrooms and specialized focus rooms for occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, psychology and social work; as well as a cafeteria, gymnasium, greenhouse, mock apartment and therapy pool.

Turning Pointe Autism Academy will consist of a 15,000 sf educational facility and 13,000 sf recreation center located on 7 acres in southwest Naperville, Illinois. The campus will serve 36 young people between the ages of 9 through 22, the age when most severely impacted children begin to experience serious problems in a traditional classroom. Students will be grouped by age as much as possible – but also by functionality – into classrooms of six students with a minimum of one teacher and one aide. With a staff to student ratio of 1:1, other staff will include physical, occupational, recreational and speech therapists. It is currently anticipated that the school will operate year-round with a six week break in the summer. Turning Pointe will offer a summer camp for autistic children during this break. The school will have “hands on” features such as a model apartment where students will learn life skills such as making a bed, cooking meals, and cleaning. A small gymnasium will provide opportunities to engage in physical activities such as rock climbing in a quiet, peaceful environment. The school will also have a swimming pool as this is an activity that is soothing and enjoyable for children with autism.