Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
February 03, 2026
League School for Autism Celebrates 60 Years of Pioneering Education
TLDR
- League School's SCERTS® Model and vocational programs offer students with autism a competitive edge in developing skills for meaningful careers and future employment opportunities.
- League School for Autism uses a step-by-step vocational training process and evidence-based SCERTS® Model with multidisciplinary teams to support students aged 3-22 through individualized year-round curricula.
- League School empowers neurodivergent students through education and vocational training, creating better futures by transitioning them into meaningful work and careers for over 60 years.
- League School celebrates 60 years of autism education with a special presentation by Dr. Temple Grandin on October 16, 2026, highlighting their innovative SCERTS® Model approach.
Impact - Why it Matters
This news matters because it highlights the evolution and impact of specialized autism education over six decades, offering hope and practical pathways for neurodivergent individuals and their families. League School's use of the SCERTS® Model and vocational training addresses critical gaps in support, emphasizing lifelong skills and employment readiness. As autism diagnoses rise globally, such institutions provide essential models for inclusive, evidence-based education that can reduce stigma and improve outcomes. The school's anniversary and future plans, including Dr. Temple Grandin's involvement, underscore the importance of community engagement and innovation in empowering autistic individuals to achieve independence and meaningful participation in society.
Summary
Celebrating six decades of pioneering autism education, League School for Autism marks its 60th anniversary in 2026 as one of Massachusetts' first schools dedicated to neurodivergent students. Founded in 1966 by Dr. Arnold and Leona Vetstein and Dr. Morton and Russela Olin, with organizational help from Dr. Carl Fenichel, the school began in a Newton basement and has evolved through multiple locations before settling at its permanent 12-acre Walpole campus in 1999. Today, licensed to serve 110 students ages 3-22 from over 60 communities, League School stands out as Massachusetts' only institution offering the innovative SCERTS® Model—an evidence-based neurodevelopmental approach supported by multidisciplinary teams of educators, clinicians, and therapists. The school's year-round individualized curriculum focuses on student strengths, while its Vocational Training Program provides step-by-step skill-building for work environments, including on- and off-campus opportunities.
Looking ahead, League School envisions a state-of-the-art Career Learning Center adjacent to its property, emphasizing preparation for future employment. This vision will be highlighted during a special October 16, 2026 presentation by renowned author and speaker Dr. Temple Grandin, hosted by the school. CEO Larry Sauer reflects on the school's legacy, noting that its 60 years of empowerment build on the efforts of founders, staff, and supporters, aiming to catalyze support for transitioning students into meaningful work and careers. The anniversary celebration culminates in a 60th Anniversary Autism Empowerment Gala on October 16th, with the school encouraging community involvement. For more details, visit the school's website at https://www.leagueschool.org or contact Sabrina Manno, Director of Marketing, at smanno@leagueschool.com.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, League School for Autism Celebrates 60 Years of Pioneering Education
