The League School for Autism commemorates its 60th anniversary this year, reflecting on its transformation from a single classroom in a Newton school basement to a comprehensive educational institution serving 110 students from over 60 Massachusetts communities. Founded in 1966 by Dr. Arnold and Leona Vetstein and Dr. Morton and Russela Olin, with organizational assistance from Dr. Carl Fenichel of the League School of Brooklyn, it was among the first schools in the state dedicated specifically to students with autism. The school has relocated several times throughout its history before establishing its permanent campus at 300 Boston Providence Turnpike in Walpole in 1999, where a 12-acre property was developed with a new school building and later expanded with additional facilities between 2015 and 2019.
Today, the school operates as a licensed day and residential program for students aged 3 to 22, including 32 residential students, with a year-round curriculum tailored to individual strengths and support needs. A significant aspect of the school's educational approach is its exclusive use in Massachusetts of the SCERTS® Model, an evidence-based neurodevelopmental relational framework supported by multidisciplinary teams of educators, clinicians, and therapy staff. This model focuses on social communication, emotional regulation, and transactional support, aiming to maximize positive outcomes for students and their families. The school's Vocational Training Program further supports this mission through a step-by-step process that builds skills and confidence for work environments, offering both on- and off-campus opportunities.
Looking forward, the League School has a vision to create a state-of-the-art Career Learning Center on property adjacent to the school, emphasizing the importance of preparing students for future employment. This focus will be highlighted during a special presentation by renowned author and speaker Dr. Temple Grandin, hosted by the school on October 16, 2026. CEO Larry Sauer stated that the school's 60-year history of impact and excellence should serve as a catalyst for supporting this vision, helping transition students with autism into meaningful work and career opportunities. The anniversary celebration will be woven into the school's activities throughout 2026, culminating in the 60th Anniversary Autism Empowerment Gala on October 16th, which the school hopes the community will join.
The milestone underscores the ongoing need for specialized educational institutions that empower neurodivergent individuals, with the League School's six-decade legacy demonstrating a sustained commitment to innovation and support in autism education. The school's evolution from its modest beginnings to its current comprehensive program highlights the growing recognition of autism-specific educational needs and the importance of tailored approaches that address both academic and life skills development. The planned Career Learning Center represents a natural extension of this mission, focusing on practical outcomes that enable students to transition successfully to adulthood and employment. As one of Massachusetts' pioneering autism education institutions, the League School's anniversary serves as both a reflection on past achievements and a roadmap for future initiatives that continue to prioritize the unique needs of neurodivergent learners.
