Unleashing Potential in Autism through Education & Communication Training
Creating Optimal Rhythms in life, learning, communication & independence for those who struggle to communicate with speech.
APRIL IS AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH
JOIN OUR GRAND RE-OPENING on APRIL 21 at 12:00PM!
Come help us celebrate as we prepare for our 10th year of service and show off our beautifully renovated space!
Watch as we unveil our new logo and mission statement! RSVPs appreciated.
Mural Unveiling - 12:30 PM
Join us to witness the unveiling of our new mural by Indiana Artist, Ashley Nora, of Ashley Nora Art! See Ashley's beautiful interpretation of our mission, inspired by her visits with nonspeaking individuals who have been empowered by the innovative work of Optimal Rhythms and our bravery to #rethinkautism and support our community to do better.
RSVP to join us!
SPELLERS Film Screening - 3:00 PM
Inspired by the book Underestimated, this full-length documentary challenges conventional wisdom regarding a group relegated to society’s margins: autistic nonspeakers. The film opening asks, “What if we’ve been wrong…about every single one of them?” SPELLERS tells the stories of eight nonspeakers—who spell to communicate.
RSVP to join us!
Meet our Leadership team
Casey DePriest, MT-BC Founder / CEO
Kaitlin Brazina Educational Liaison / Support Coach
Kaitlin Brazina Educational Liaison / Support Coach
Casey is a board-certified neurologic music therapist, small business owner, sought after presenter, and fierce advocate for the rights of those with communication disabilities. She founded Optimal Rhythms, Inc. to provide increased access to community training programs and support services for autistic individuals and those with neurologic disability or injury who struggle to communicate via speech.
Kaitlin Brazina Educational Liaison / Support Coach
Kaitlin Brazina Educational Liaison / Support Coach
Kaitlin Brazina Educational Liaison / Support Coach
Kaitlin has been a member of the Optimal Rhythms team since 2019, supporting students in-person and virtually. She is passionate and skilled at helping families get the supports they need to address the individualized needs of our students. She graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology and is pursuing her Master's degree in Clinical Counseling.
Eric Lund, MT-BC Community Liaison / Support Coach
Kaitlin Brazina Educational Liaison / Support Coach
Eric Lund, MT-BC Community Liaison / Support Coach
Eric is a University of Evansville grad with 13+ years of experience in the field of music therapy. Eric started his career with Integrative Music Therapy and was instrumental in the start of Optimal Rhythms and ACCESS Academy. He has presented at regional and national conferences, often alongside self-advocates. Eric is a composer and songwriter and enjoys making music with all people.
About Us
KEEP ME SAFE CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF APRIL 2022!
This new registry for vulnerable persons is informed by individuals with sensory, motor, and communication challenges and will better inform first responders to the needs of individuals who respond best to specific supports and accommodations.
This registry is designed as a collaborative effort across communities to ensure the safety of those who are statistically at risk.
Click on the button below to lean how you can apply and receive your Keep Me Safe Decals.
CAN-Do Camp [Home Edition] 2023
Registrations are open for our
2023 CAN-Do Camp [Home Edition]!
This camp is designed to meet the needs of camp families, through an accessible and innovative camp model.
CAN-Do Camp will again be held virtually via Zoom, and each family will be assigned a Camp Coach and a Board-Certified Music Therapist. Families will receive activity kits with all of the materials needed for our weekly themed camp activities - it doesn't get much easier than that! Large group and small group sessions will be filled with engaging activities, movement breaks, sensory-motor supports, communication opportunities, peer interaction, and parent/caregiver training that has been proven to lead to improved confidence and communication in the home. Our incredible staff will be meeting you where you are and ensuring you and your loved one succeed!
Thank you to all of the campers and families who participated in previous camp experiences since 2014. We have learned so much and we have so much to celebrate!!
The 2023 CAN-Do Camp spots will fill on a first-come first-served basis. Registration is now open!
ACCESS2Academics Home Education Program for K-12 or Adults
This program grew out of the needs we've heard expressed for years from parents and students who have been advocating for an educational opportunity that presumed competence and supported the motor and regulation challenges so many autistic students face in our schools. This program is implemented virtually, and we are so excited and prepared to partner with students and families all across the country (and beyond) to unleash potential and achieve their dream of rigorous classes that allows them to earn an academic diploma -even if they believed they had missed their chance! No more discrimination. No more set-backs. No more isolation. Welcome to our A2A Community!
ESA funding can be used for A2A in IN, NC, and AZ!
More states coming soon!
Contact us for details.
SPIRIT SHOP
Help Our COVID-19 Response Efforts
COVID-19 has necessitated many changes to our normal operations. We are doing our best to meet the needs of individuals and families affected by autism who are really struggling during the stay at home orders with difficult changes in routine and limited supports due to the quarantine.
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
