“We know that early intervention using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) gives students with autism the best chance at future success,” says Christine Owen, educational coordinator at the Dominion School. “Through our inclusive preschool programs, our students receive the support they need from trained staff but they also get the opportunity to interact with typical peers.  It’s the best of both worlds.”

The model used by the Dominion School is both time intensive and staff intensive.  For every eight students, there are 6 instructors and a lead teacher.  Annual tuition is about $45,000.

“This is certainly out of the range of affordable tuition for most families,” says Don Busick, Dominion School board member and manager of the Autism Grant.  Fortunately, the recent insurance mandate passed by the Virginia General Assembly provides coverage for most services the school provides.  However, some insurances have annual caps and there are a few families who don’t have insurance that covers ABA services.  This is where the Autism Grant comes in. As manager of the Grant, Busick spends each year raising funds that can be given to families in order to cover partial or full tuition.

Tickets for the concert are $8 in advance or $10 at the door. Tickets are available at the school’s main campus at 6818 W. Grace Street or online.  Doors open at the Canal Club at 7:30 PM and Leon Milmore takes the stage at 8 PM.  This is an all-ages show.

For more information, you can call the school at (804) 355-1011.

Eric and Lisa Harrison, Harrison Music

Advice from Lisa Harrison, at Harrison Music

When should I allow my child to learn a musical instrument?

It depends on the instrument. For instance, even a child as young as three could start learning the violin, because violins are available in a wide range of sizes. If it’s a wind instrument, on the other hand, these are better physically suited to eleven years and older.

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What if my child decides that they just don’t like that particular instrument?

If after several months your kid decides that they have chosen the wrong instrument, most band directors will let them switch during the first year. And if it’s a rental, you can exchange it for a different one.

What if I don’t have any background in music?

Don’t worry! It won’t be up to you to correct their technique; that’s the music instructor’s job. What you can do is give him or her lots of encouragement, and make sure they practice.

Also, if you can afford it, individual lessons in addition to group classes can really help accelerate your child’s progress.

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How much should they be practicing?

For children under ten, ten to twelve minutes a day, at least five times a week is fine. For a middle school student, you should expect twenty to thirty minutes per day; a high school student, thirty to sixty minutes per day.

Some kids find it motivating to have their parents remind them. Other kids might feel they are being nagged. You have to find a good balance.

What if my kid is losing motivation?

Music should be fun! Dialogue with your child’s music instructor, and see if you can change up the material. Learning popular songs from Disney or Taylor Swift for instance, might be all it takes to get your child motivated again!

Also, some kids need to be involved in a musical group outside of school band, such as a jazz band, to help keep them interested.

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Music, sports, clubs… We don’t have time for them all. How do we choose?

Sometimes you should let them pursue their passions, not just what they are best at. And if they really love playing music, let them! They will continue to grow.

Harrison Music Lessons, Repairs, Sales and Rentals is a paid advertiser on Richmondmom.com