Q & A

Frequently Asked or Simply Good Questions Deserving Answers

Q: We are just looking for social experiences for our ASD/PDD kiddo (and / or NeuroTypical sibling) - Do you have such opportunities?

A: Indeed we do! Click Here!

Q: Does Big Sky have programs for non-autistic and non-sibling kids and families?

A: Yup. We have camps (TBA-get on our email list by emailing director) for both families and siblings living with a loved one directly affected by ASD/PDD/Autism, AND we have specialty camps for "NT" (neurotypical folks who are compassionate toward humanitarian and ecological goals of Big Sky).

AND - We have opened up a special program of phenomenal education opportunity for NT Students (grades 5-12) called the Big Sky NT School for High Ability Learners - go to / scroll down on the "Ed/Training Opportunities" link and the details for application will be there!

Q: Why are there so many identified cases of autistic spectrum disorders (1 in 150)?

A: There is no easy answer to this and to give the shortest possible scientific opinion.....

1. We know more about the brain, can physiologically identify genetic bases of human health, and

are finally educating ourselves / each other about the many forms of ASD/PDD with less fear of stigma

(we are properly acknowledging and are not hiding our autistic family members as much as we used to).

2. People with similar traits tend to gravitate toward one another, and couple.... voila babies are born with

duplicated / intensified versions of the parents (mild ASD parents can and do create more intense ASD Kiddos).

3. Neurotoxin / Environmental exposure factors - yes- there is no denying (although pharmaceutical corporations and various big polluters will/do try), toxins are a huge factor in the evolution of the human species.  Autism is part of the evolution of man - the human body adapts to environmental pressures such as toxins and creates its best attempt to roll with the punches.  Allergic-onset ASD via immunization is still a very viable theory.

4. Cultural / Physical Environmental Pressures are an additive factor that must be taken into account.  The amount of visual, audible, and tactile "NOISE" in our environment is enough to drive a lot of people to seek solitary mind-space.  There is a growing scientific exploration of how the current Western culture may be inspiring a neurological pattern of "overload" that (in conjunction with all points listed above) is part of the problem.  It's time for us to let go of the "busy world of flashing videos and artificial spaces" and give the noodle a break with some exposure to good-old-fashioned fresh air and wind in the trees.  *This will be one of the foci of the research projects at Big Sky (among many other hypotheses).

**We believe the reason comes from all four points listed above and likely a few more.  There is no such thing as one reason for ASD/PDD prevalence.  This is truly the evolution of man with all points under consideration.

Q: Why do you use “labels” when talking about folks who live with autistic spectrum differences?

A: Labels can be bad if used to prevent people from equal access and treatment, and labels can be empowering if used to remove the “fear and ignorance” factor.  We learned long ago from various “autistic people” who love who they are, that being and self-labeling oneself as autistic, a cancer survivor, an obsessive compulsive, bipolar, or diabetic means that the individual takes responsibility for the challenges and joys that lay ahead.  Self-labeling, when done with this empowering frame of mind, can propel an individual and his/her family toward a future of goal achievement.   Labeling an individual with “special needs” or not allowing the individual to understand their given challenges at all, can and does yield tremendous uncertainty and self-destructive fear of the unknown.   Autism, cancer, bipolar disorder, and most other challenges, are just that… challenges.  These labels are not the definition of the individual, but reminders of what gifts and successes lay ahead.

At no time does IHCenter / Big Sky Education and Research agree with assuming one’s character based on a DSM-IV TR designation – we humans no matter our physical challenges and the labels with which we choose to align, are more than our biology and our character is ever growing and blossoming.  The labels we choose to employ at Big Sky are part of the empowering model we hold dear.  Self-empowerment and the act of taking responsibility for the achievement of our own personal development is an amazing and effective route to success.

Q: Why are your ratios so extremely small (1 to 1 and 1 to 2)?

A: Low ratios allow for optimum teaching/learning and allow the student much more freedom to use his/her physical creativity in a safe environment.   Running, climbing, building, sports, etc. can be more intensely fostered without the words “No, don’t do that!” when a teacher/mentor is within arm’s reach and assistance.  Further, the more teachers and mentors on staff, the more assistance a student has when needing coaching through social challenges with other students.  Safety, freedom, and progress are the three main reasons for this small ratio.  It just works and we are all for it.

Q: Does my child have to work with the animals?

A: No.  But he/she is expected to take part in land-related activities that foster personal responsibility for the ecosystem of the campus (choices are always available and there is no minimum time or production requirement – only an effort requirement which could include reading articles about land management, making a model of an alternative energy system, learn about beneficial organisms, work in the gardens, etc.).

Q: Why won’t you commit to a specific model of education and intervention?

A: There is no such thing as one type of human being, that’s why.  It would make things very easy for us if we chose to only follow one model – what dream that would be… but not ethical as far as we see it.  Each student, particularly in the ASD/PDD community has a continually fluid (changing) list of needs for growth, challenges to be addressed, and interests.  To say “Johnny is being nonresponsive… difficult…. Etc.”  is not an option at Big Sky.  If “Johnny” is nonresponsive or difficult, it’s because we haven’t found the right composition of methods to reach Johnny and his well of gifts to be seen.  What works for one student today, may or may not work tomorrow and resting on one method of education and intervention would cheat that student for opportunities for growth if other methods are not allowed to augment the learning experience.  Ultimately, the model most used at Big Sky will be “Johnny’s Model” and “Jill’s Model”.  This approach requires more work on the part of Big Sky teachers and mentors, but we believe it is not only worth the effort, but the ethical route to educational advocacy.

Q: Why are you charging a hefty tuition for the Big Sky NT School when there is NOT a set tuition schedule for the students in the ASD / PDD group or the Siblings group of students?

A:  Quality of Education, Fairness, and Economics.  The tuition for the Big Sky NT School is comparable to other private education institutions that offer similar opportunities, our Autistic/ASD/PDD and sibling students do not have the same access to programs as do the average neurotypical learner therefore tuitions are individually guaged on family income of that student or sibling of a person with ASD/PDD, and finally Big Sky must take operation costs into account.  If and when we have sufficient donations toward the Big Sky NT School fund, we will be happy to lower tuition for our non-autistic / non-sibling students. 

Feel Free to Keep The Questions Coming   ksainz@bigskyfarm.4t.com