Alternative Paths Training School is a private non-profit educational, vocational and behavioral consultation program for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities. Their school based program serves students from 19 counties aged 5-22 at two campuses in Alexandria and Fredericksburg, Virginia and they provide consultation services throughout Virginia and Maryland.

Co-Founder, Susan Gross, discovered her unique passion for supporting individuals with disabilities during her early college years.  For Co-Founder, Al El Tagi, it began in 1986 with his participation in the Special Olympics.  Years later, a mutual work experience placed them in each other’s paths, “An Alternative Path.”  This set into motion a vision for what has now become APTS.  “Over the years, they have been asked many times why they, here at APTS, do such important and difficult work.”  The answer has always been crystal clear; because it needs to be done.  By implementing their unique behavior modification techniques they have seen the transformations that have occurred when students learn new and adaptive strategies for accessing opportunities through alternative behavioral and learning patterns while here at APTS.  APTS is not just a school but an organization that focuses on serving individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and other developmental disabilities.  “Tearing down the walls that separate individuals with disabilities from a better quality of life®” has become their slogan.   Students, clients in the community, and their families continue to teach them about perseverance, bravery, humor in the face of adversity, and above all, the joy found in each success.  There is no story more compelling than their continued passion in assisting each person along that alternative path.