At PS Academy, the perspective has changed over the years. They have adopted a different philosophy that empowers students to live feeling confident in their abilities and not confined to labels. You may have heard about their "See past the label, focus on the able" campaign that began last school year. Let me tell you why I think this is critically important.

I am on the autism spectrum myself.

I had an amazing team of professionals supporting me through my early childhood years. In middle/high school, the social dynamics changed, and things got very difficult. We moved to Arizona and found what was then Pieceful Solutions School. I was a student at PS from 9th through 12th grade and thrived.

When I began applying for jobs at about age 16, I was asked to put down the name of my high school on applications. During each interview, I was asked about the meaning of "Pieceful (referencing the autism puzzle piece)." I left each interview feeling as though I was seen through the lens of the label of autism and not for my abilities.

Other students were also feeling stigmatized, and when we brought our concerns to Administration, they took the time to listen and agreed that a change was needed. In 2019 the school was rebranded as PS Academy Arizona.

It’s awesome to see how PS helps students reach their full potential while also recognizing the impacts that autism has in their lives.

Students have a sense of belonging that in turn makes them excited about going to school. PS stands out in the community because of this new and important approach.