Highland Community Learning Center

5120 Godown Road

Columbus, OH 43220

614-210-0830 phone

614-210-7201 fax

January 26, 2016

Dr. Emilio Amigo

It is with great enthusiasm that Highland Community Learning Center announces Dr. Emilio Amigo will be collaborating in developing and enhancing social skill development for students who attend Highland. Dr. Amigo is an expert in this area having specialized in private practice with a focus on autism. He is a clinical psychologist and Director of Amigo Family Counseling in Columbus. Dr. Amigo has developed Responsibility Social Therapy (RST) and patented the approach to assist individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dr. Amigo gained national exposure when his organization was featured in a documentary film, How to Dance in Ohio, by HBO and can be found on HBO on demand.

In collaboration with Highland Community Learning Center, Dr. Amigo will offer a monthly family conference in which all parents or guardians are welcome to participate. The focus will be on social skill development, behavior modification, and understanding the issues students present at home and school. The effort is to engage and develop an approach that will work in both settings. Specific techniques will be addressed.

Dr. Amigo will be a consultant that interacts with teachers and students in developing social skills while teaching academic material. The principles of RST will be incorporated into all aspects of the school setting. Specific behavior monitoring and improvement of communication skills will be the goal of this continual effort.

Dr. Amigo’s fine arts program will be incorporated and offered into Highland. This would include dance, acting, and other offerings. The social skill development in an informal setting as well as a monthly event will be offered.

It is hoped that additional research to aid the students of Highland can become a possibility in the future with Dr. Amigo. Research projects will be announced in the future.