New Focus Academy is celebrating one year since enrolling their first student. The team at New Focus is dedicated to helping teens increase their autonomy and quality of life using elements of positive psychology and The Autonomy Development Model.
New Focus Academy is a residential treatment center for boys 12-18 years old with autism and other neurodiversities, including ADHD, traumatic brain injuries, and executive functioning issues.
Highlights of the Program:
- Academics: Their strong academic program is dedicated to helping students move past school refusal and helping students find joy in learning.
- Recreation Activities: The recreation department pairs with The National Abilities Center, which allows students to participate in many fun, challenging activities helping them achieve success and resiliency.
- Family Involvement: New Focus hosted their first successful parent retreat where families were able to share many impactful experiences together through group and experiential therapy.
Over the past year, New Focus Academy has expanded from 10 employees to 37 employees, including 4 teachers and 2 full-time therapists. The program won "Best Employee Satisfaction" award out of a large collection of established connected programs. The clinical team participates in additional training to stay up-to-date on the most cutting-edge research.
Neuropsychologist and founder of New Focus Academy Brandon Park partnered with his Admissions Director Marisa Davis, to launch a podcast called Neurodiversity University, exploring various topics related to the field of working with people with neurodiversities. There are currently five podcasts available for streaming on all major platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. Park hopes to expand the podcast to include several experts in the neurodiversity field to review new research and share a variety of resources with their audience.
The program aims to help students learn independent living skills that they can apply in the community. Currently, five students are employed in the Heber Valley area. This fall, New Focus opened Autonomy House for students who have made significant progress in residential treatment and are taking steps towards independence, but benefit from continued structure. In the next year, they plan to open a female house and female Autonomy House as part of their goals of expansion
“I feel grateful to work with so many incredible teens and their families, helping them recognize their unique strengths and personal goals make me love to wake up every day and go to work..” says Admissions Director Marisa Davis. “We are proud that we have become a thriving program with active plans for growth in the upcoming year.”
New Focus Academy is a therapeutic residential treatment program for adolescent boys ages 12-18 with neurodevelopmental disorders. Located in Heber City, Utah, just outside of Salt Lake City, New Focus Academy prepares struggling teen boys for a purpose-filled, independent life. New Focus Academy creates an environment of success using a positive reinforcement approach and empowering students to take small steps leading to big changes and overall wellness.
To learn more about New Focus Academy, visit https://newfocusacademy.com/our-approach or call the program at (844) 313-6749.