The aspects of therapy facilities and treatment modalities
Caring and knowledgeable staff with experience and understanding of the issues of and therapies for high functioning autistic children were evident.There were good living conditions and supervision.The continuation of academic education and grade advancement was evident, as well as programs for outside work experiences.Personally, my son , although always reticent about enduring a mandatory environmental therapy program, came to accept the situation and did well.The staff helped him to understand and realize his situation. He graduated high school during the two years of his attendance and came back home with a more mature social awareness. We gave him the choice of work or school when he returned. He went to community college and now is in junior year at university to graduate with a clinical laboratory science bachelor's degree. He remains somewhat noticeably socially awkward but interacts and functions adequately well with others. We are greatly appreciative for the help that the Black Mountain Academy gave my son to overcome as optimally as possible his handicap.It is important to match the individual child to an appropriate treatment facility and Black Mountain has a great screening process to evaluate applicants.In selecting a program make sure that it is evident that they uphold the dignity of each person in all their care modalities. Black Mountain manifested this rule.An important aspect of the Black Mountain program is integrating the involvement of the student's family and conducts many in person events and conferences.Don't expect miracles. It is a long and arduous labor of love; so be patient even when the situation requires all your energies and hope. In the end , it is a beautiful satisfaction to feel you did the best for your child. I feel that this is the heart of the the Black Mountain goals.
Frederick Guida
Black Mountain Academy - A True Game-Changer for Growth
Black Mountain Academy was transformative for our son and our family. The stellar team - academic, therapeutic and residential - met him exactly where he was, building trust first and creating a foundation for real growth. With patience, structure and genuine care, they helped him re-engage academically, manage overwhelm and develop tools to face challenges with confidence. He was able to form lasting friendships, open up his mind to new and healthy interests and become an amazing big brother to our younger kids. Black Mountain Academy helped us as parents. The staff guided us in learning how to communicate with our son in ways that were supportive, productive and grounded in values. We became more effective partners in his growth. We couldn't have achieved this level of evolution at home. Through the highly intentional programming at BMA, our son became more self-aware, more confident and more willing to take responsibility for his progress and challenges. We saw meaningful growth in school, in resilience, independence, life skills, communication and self-esteem. BMA is the real deal and has impacted our family in the best possible way.
HS
Black Mountain Academy was absolutely transformative for our son and for us
Black Mountain Academy was absolutely transformative for our son and for our family. When we dropped him off, he was refusing to go to school and talking about dropping out entirely. By the time he completed the program, he had caught up academically and was truly ready to transition to a new school — where he is now flourishing.The staff is exceptional: deeply attentive, genuinely caring, and clearly invested in each student’s growth. Communication with parents was consistently excellent, which made an enormous difference during what can be a very stressful time. The parent workshops were especially valuable, offering practical, compassionate guidance that helped us become better parents for our child, not just in theory but in real day-to-day life.I cannot say enough about the impact this school has had. Black Mountain Academy changed the trajectory of our son’s education and well-being, and it positively changed all of our lives. We will always be deeply grateful.
Jason Epstein
My son went here
My son went her for 12 months (junior year). It was a wonderful (and hard), life-changing experience. He's now in college studying psychology because of the teachers, counselors, and staff at Black Mountain. Cannot say enough wonderful things about these people. Make no mistake - this is hard work for everyone involved. It's expensive and heart-heavy. And worth all of it.
shannon
I am reflecting on BMA and its role in…
I am reflecting on BMA and its role in getting our son to his life's current trajectory. We have no regrets. I have to say a member of BMA's team, when our son was there 2018-2019 said, please wait until he is 25 to be sure the full maturity/growth is able to blossom. I admit we are still on our way there. He is now 21 and counting. Her timeline seems to be appropriate. I am not sure any intervention can truly reverse heredity, genetics - he is who he is DNA and and all. His addiction to tech, aversion to showers, inability to executive function for room care are all still ever present. But he has improved in emotional regulation and he has always been empathetic. We are proud of Tim and his association with BMA. One day at a time....
Eleanor Magee
Parent of a graduate
I am the parent of a graduate of Black Mountain Academy who successfully completed the program and earned his high school diploma. After attending two previous programs in Utah, Black Mountain Academy proved to be the ideal environment for him to complete his education and continue his academic growth.As a result of the structure, support, and skills he developed at Black Mountain Academy, he went on to succeed at both a community college and a four-year university, ultimately earning both his associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. The academy equipped him with the tools necessary not only to live independently, but also to maintain the discipline and self-management required for academic success.Additionally, he learned to effectively advocate for himself when needed—an ability that would not have been possible without the foundation provided by Black Mountain Academy.The teachers, staff, and administration are exceptional, and we remain in contact with several of them on a personal level. I cannot speak highly enough of our experience and would recommend Black Mountain Academy without hesitation to any family considering the program.
Bill Bauer
Life Changing for our family
After several years in programs in Utah, we were grateful to find Black Mountain Academy in North Carolina for our teenage son on the autism spectrum. He began at BMA in 2016 when it was still a relatively new program operating out of a rental home, and we had the privilege of watching both our son and the program grow.BMA became an exceptional program that gave him the support he needed to mature into a self-sufficient young man. He later transitioned into a college program and graduated with a degree in cyber-security. Throughout his time at BMA, we knew he was in a safe, structured environment with a staff that truly cared and communicated with us regularly.Although enrolling him was one of the hardest decisions we have ever made, it made an extraordinary difference in his life. We are deeply grateful to the dedicated people at Black Mountain Academy who became part of our “village” in raising our son.
Margaret Bouknight Bauer
Social Worker
As a social worker, I’ve been very impressed with the clinical and academic team at Black Mountain Academy. My clients that have gone to the program have done very well and kept their progress going post treatment. I especially appreciate the Frontline staff who do a lot of the heavy lifting: modeling pro social behavior, social skills, and appropriate behavior to the students in the moment.
jesse quam
