START K-12 Intensive Training
Module 5: Peer to Peer Supports for Students with Autism
Social Competency Research
- Many peer-mediated intervention programs are too narrow in scope, such as a Circle of Friends approach, to produce significant long term impact.
- Research summarized by Rogers (2000) indicate a shift in the field of ASD, from Adult Directed Instructional Time TO Peer-Mediated Interventions.
- "Peer mediated instruction and intervention has been shown to have positive effects on academic, interpersonal and personal-social development and may be the largest and most empirically supported type of social intervention for learners with ASD."
2001; McConnell, 2002)
Key Takeaways
- Peer to Peer supports are NOT there to tell the student with autism what to do! Peer supports are there to be a friend and role model!
- There are over 600 elementary and secondary peer programs in Michigan!
- Peer to Peer Programs benefit all kids...data shows being a P2P support has positive effects on attendance, GPA, behavior referrals and number of detentions.
- Make each building more integrated!
- Mediums of exchange... must be age appropriate.
- Students who are at risk HUGELY benefit from being a peer to peer support!
Peer to Peer Program Development
- Peer mediated strategies are an evidence based practice!!
- Recruit... name the program, create a brochure and spread the word, provide interested volunteers a permission slip, collect the signed slips, organize and schedule the peers throughout the day
- Train... what is autism, how to be a good friend to someone with autism, sensitivity awareness training, what is the peer's role, find age appropriate mediums of exchange that interest students
- Develop curriculum- START has already done that for you!
- Case Conferences and Check In's... share celebrations, challenges and ideas!
Resources
Amazing Things Happen- link to a GREAT ASD awareness video available in multiple different languages.
START Peer to Peer Resources- link to START's peer to peer page
National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders-free professional resources for educators who work with individuals with Autism.
AFIRM Modules- FREE online professional learning for each of the 27 evidence-based practices for students with Autism.
Autism Speaks Puzzle Piece Project - lesson plans and activities for increasing understanding and acceptance of people with Autism
Upcoming Modules
Administrator's Module
Thursday, March 21
8:30-11:30
*Morning session with an optional Q & A afternoon session
Oakland Schools
Conference Room A
Module 6: IEP Development and Implementation for Students with ASD
Wednesday/Thursday, April 17th-18th
8:30-3:30
Module 7: Transition Planning for Students with ASD
Thursday, May 9th
8:30-3:30
2019-2020 Modules to include the following: Coaching Day, Systems Change Part 1, Systems Change Part 2, Aspergers (2 Day), Self Management (1 Day), Education Based Evaluations (1 Day)
ASD Consultants
Colleen Meszler
colleen.meszler@oakland.k12.mi.us
Robin Erkfritz
robin.erkfritz@oakland.k12.mi.us
Location: 2011 Telegraph Road, Waterford Township, MI, USA
Phone: (248) 209-2096