At Franklin Academy, our mission has always been about more than just school—it’s been about preparing neurodivergent students for a meaningful, connected life. For over two decades, we’ve offered an educational model uniquely designed to support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Nonverbal Learning Disabilities, ADHD, and other learning differences. Our approach, centered on cognitive diversity and social-emotional learning, has helped shape confident young adults who are equipped to succeed in college, in their careers, and in their communities.
But the work doesn’t stop at our campus.
This year, Franklin Academy is expanding its impact through the Center for Neurodiversity—a hub of programming, outreach, and innovation. We recognize that the needs of neurodivergent students and their families extend beyond our classrooms. Across Connecticut and the country, students who learn differently are navigating a complex educational landscape, often without the resources or support systems they deserve. Families are advocating with limited guidance. Educators are striving to personalize instruction while keeping up with changing demands. And schools are seeking direction on how to better serve every learner.
That’s where the Center for Neurodiversity comes in.
Meeting a Growing Need
The Center was born out of both urgency and opportunity. As post-pandemic education continues to evolve, we’ve seen a rising call for support during critical points in a student’s development—transitions from middle to high school, from high school to college, and from education into adult life. Franklin Academy is answering that call, leveraging the collective knowledge of our expert staff to provide programming that reaches far beyond our traditional model.
Through the Center, we are expanding executive functioning coaching to recent high school graduates, many of whom are navigating their first years of independence without the daily scaffolds of school. We are launching diagnostic services and evaluations for local families, helping provide clarity and direction for students who may be struggling without a formal diagnosis. We’re offering professional development for educators looking to better understand and support neurodivergent learners in mainstream and specialized settings. And for families, we’re curating virtual and live workshops throughout the year, focused on topics like advocacy, transition planning, and neurodiversity-affirming strategies at home.
Supporting Schools, Colleges, and Communities
We are especially excited to partner with other schools—both secondary and higher education institutions—who want to build or strengthen their programming for students who learn differently. Franklin Academy’s leadership in special education, combined with our nationally recognized outcomes in post-secondary success, offers a model that can be adapted to many settings. Whether it’s through consulting, training, or co-developing new initiatives, the Center is committed to sharing what we’ve learned and collaborating with others who share our vision.
Looking Ahead
The Center for Neurodiversity isn’t just a new program. It’s a bold step toward a more inclusive, supportive, and responsive educational world—one where students are seen for their potential, not just their challenges. It’s also an opportunity for Franklin Academy to contribute more broadly to the national dialogue on how we support cognitive diversity in real, practical, and sustainable ways.
We invite you to be part of this work—with us. Whether you are a parent, educator, counselor, or college professional, the Center for Neurodiversity is here as a resource, a partner, and a catalyst for progress.
Together, we can keep specialized education relevant, rigorous, and deeply human.
Learn more and get involved at frank23prod.wpengine.com/center-for-neurodiversity.
