By: Alegra Hall of My Media Buzz
Beyond The Spectrum Institute is proud to announce its selection as the featured subject in an upcoming segment of the renowned public television series “Empowered hosted by Meg Ryan.” Recognized as a pioneering institution in the education of neurodiverse learners, Beyond The Spectrum Institute’s innovative strategies and student-centered approach have made it a beacon of hope for children with autism and their families.
The segment, hosted by acclaimed actress and education advocate Meg Ryan, will premiere on PBS and other channels, offering viewers an intimate look at the extraordinary methods and tools that define the institute’s groundbreaking work. The Emmy-winning actress, director once dubbed “America’s Sweetheart,” is now telling real-life stories that touch the heart and soul. The queen of 80’s and 90’s romantic comedies like Sleepless in Seattle is reaching a new audience with relatable subjects such as autism, and Beyond the Spectrum Institute was chosen to showcase the hard work of the organization to help parents and communities navigate the neurodiversity landscape.
Redefining Education for Autism:
For parents of autistic children, finding an educational environment that meets their child’s needs while celebrating their unique strengths can be a daunting challenge. The upcoming episode of Empowered dives into this complex and critical journey, showcasing Beyond The Spectrum Institute as a leader in developing personalized educational solutions.
The segment highlights the Institute’s cutting-edge approaches, such as sensory-rich spaces, interactive RoboKind autism robots, and structured visual schedules that provide comfort and predictability. Through vivid storytelling and heartfelt interviews with students, parents, and educators, the program captures how these methods empower students to unlock their full potential.
“Beyond The Spectrum Institute is more than a school; it’s a transformative movement aimed at redefining education for autistic students,” says Dr. Jessica Respus, Founder and Visionary Leader of Beyond The Spectrum Institute. “Being featured on Empowered is an incredible honor, and we hope this platform inspires parents, advocates, and educators to embrace inclusive and innovative strategies for neurodiverse learners.”
Photo Courtesy: Cumberland County Christian School / Dr. Jessica Denise Respus
Expanding the Mission:
While the honor of being featured on Empowered reflects the Institute’s reputation as a leader in autism education, Beyond The Spectrum views this opportunity as a catalyst to expand its impact.
“Our goal isn’t just to tell our story—it’s to equip others with actionable tools and knowledge,” explains Tirea Sansbury, an advocate and leader in education. As the Principal of Beyond The Spectrum Institute and the Exceptional Children Director of Cumberland County Christian School, she is passionate about their mission, adding, “Whether you’re a parent looking for resources, a teacher striving to improve classroom practices, or a policymaker seeking to create inclusive policies, we want to provide the inspiration and strategies you need to create meaningful change.”
The North Carolina-based school, whose guiding motto is Deuteronomy 6:5-7, believes that all children belong to God and it is imperative to show them His love throughout the school day.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. “
This scripture supports the mission of the school and its team to impart God’s word into the hearts of all of His children, including those on the spectrum.
The airing of this segment aligns with the Institute’s broader mission to educate parents, advocates, and educators on effective strategies for teaching autistic children in school environments. Beyond The Spectrum is committed to driving awareness and providing resources that enable others to replicate and adapt their groundbreaking approaches to education.
A Platform for Global Impact:
The collaboration with Empowered provides an unparalleled opportunity to spotlight the importance of tailoring education to neurodiverse learners. By demonstrating the profound impact of inclusive, strengths-based teaching methods, the segment aims to inspire audiences worldwide to reconsider traditional approaches to autism education.
“Autistic students deserve an educational experience that not only meets their needs but also amplifies their potential,” adds Dr. Respus. “Through platforms like Empowered, we hope to foster a global dialogue about how we can build a more inclusive future for neurodiverse learners.”
Photo Courtesy: Cumberland County Christian School / Dr. Jessica Denise Respus & Tirea Sansbury
About Empowered with Meg Ryan:
Empowered, hosted by Meg Ryan is a distinguished public television series known for its impactful storytelling and celebration of organizations tackling critical social issues. Through compelling narratives, Empowered inspires audiences by shining a light on extraordinary work being done across the globe. The production team strives to shed light on potentially underrepresented storylines and industry sectors.
About Beyond The Spectrum Institute:
Beyond The Spectrum Institute is an innovative institution focused on enhancing education for autistic learners. By fostering an innovative and supportive environment, the Institute enables students to achieve academic and personal success. Its cutting-edge tools and personalized strategies have redefined what’s possible in autism education.
Founder Respus encourages viewers to watch this inspiring segment of Empowered with Meg Ryan and witness the transformative work being done at Beyond The Spectrum Institute. “Together, we can empower neurodiverse learners, build confidence, and shape brighter futures.”
For more information, visit www.cumberlandccs.com/beyond-the-spectrum/.
Published by Iris S.
