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The Spectrum School
Somatic, trauma-informed education and developmental programs for children with autism and children with ADD/ADHD.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We center the child before the diagnosis.
Our Approach
We support learning and development through nervous-system safety, relationship, and body awareness. Instead of focusing on compliance, we help children build regulation, connection, and engagement—skills that make learning possible and sustainable.
Our programs are trauma-informed and somatic, honoring each child’s sensory and emotional needs. We also partner with caregivers so support continues beyond the classroom.
At The Spectrum School, we believe that learning and regulation begin in the body.
Our approach is grounded in somatic, trauma-informed practices that support nervous system safety and emotional regulation before academic or behavioral expectations are introduced.
Our programs emphasize:
• Sensory-informed environments
• Somatic practices that support regulation
• Movement, play, and creative expression
• Relationship-centered care
• Respect for verbal and nonverbal communication
• Honoring each child’s pacing, autonomy, and embodiment
• Somatic practices that support regulation
• Movement, play, and creative expression
• Relationship-centered care
• Respect for verbal and nonverbal communication
• Honoring each child’s pacing, autonomy, and embodiment
We prioritize connection over compliance, creating environments where children feel safe enough to engage, explore, and learn.
What makes us different
We exist to offer a supportive alternative to traditional models that emphasize compliance and behavior modification without sufficient attention to nervous-system safety and emotional regulation.
Here, the goal isn’t “better behavior.” The goal is a regulated, connected child who can learn, play, and participate with dignity.
Our core commitments
- Child-centered support that honors sensory and emotional needs
- Trauma-informed, relationship-based learning environments
- Somatic tools for regulation, engagement, and resilience
- Caregiver partnership—because you deserve support too
Get started
Tell us a little about your child and what you’re looking for. We’ll respond with next steps, program options, and a supportive recommendation—no pressure.
Prefer email? Reach us at tovah@tovahpetra.com.
Request information
Connect With Us
We look forward to getting to know you!
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Leadership
The Spectrum School was founded by Tovah Petra Kolodinski, a trauma-informed Somatic practitioner with a background in Early Childhood Education, Human Development, and Somatic, brain-body based care. Her work centers on supporting children with autism and children with ADD/ADHD through approaches that honor embodiment, nervous system regulation, and relational safety.
Drawing from years of direct practice with children and close collaboration with families, Tovah leads the vision and program design of The Spectrum School through a Whole Child, Whole Family lens — recognizing that meaningful growth happens when children feel safe, understood, and deeply supported within their relationships and environments.
Support Our Work
The Spectrum School is a donation-supported nonprofit organization.
Your support helps us:
- Expand access to somatic, trauma-informed programs
- Provide scholarships and sliding-scale participation
- Develop sensory-safe learning and regulation spaces
- Offer caregiver education and community workshops
- Sustain high-quality, child-centered programming
Donations support the program as a whole and help ensure that families can access services regardless of financial means. Participation in programs is not contingent on payment or donation.
Partner With Us
We welcome partnerships with individuals, foundations, and organizations aligned with:
- Autism and ADD/ADHD support
- Trauma-informed and somatic care
- Disability-affirming education
- Early childhood and family mental health
- Community-based family support
If you are interested in partnering, supporting our work, or learning more, we invite you to connect with us.
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