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LINKS The Power of Peers!

Pickford Public Schools November 9, 2012 Prepared and Presented by Carrie Carr – Autism Consultant; EUPISD. LINKS The Power of Peers!. 24 Evidence-based practices for students with ASD. Functional Communication Training. Social Skills Groups. Parent-Implemented Intervention.

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LINKS The Power of Peers!

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  1. Pickford Public Schools November 9, 2012 Prepared and Presented by Carrie Carr – Autism Consultant; EUPISD LINKSThe Power of Peers!

  2. 24 Evidence-based practices for students with ASD Functional Communication Training Social Skills Groups Parent-Implemented Intervention Social Narratives Antecedent-Based Interventions Functional Behavior Assessment Computer-Aided Instruction PECS Self-Management Differential Reinforcement Extinction Discrete Trial Training Pivotal Response Training Visual Supports Structured Work Systems Peer-Mediated Instruction and Intervention Reinforcement Prompting Speech Generating Devices Naturalistic Intervention Task Analysis Time Delay Response Interruption/Redirection Video Modeling

  3. So, Just What is Peer Mediated Instruction and Intervention? Peer-mediated instructional approaches are used to teach typically developing peers ways to interact with and help children and youth with ASD acquire new behavior, communication, and social skills by increasing social opportunities within natural environments. PMII is also a useful strategy for promoting positive transitions across settings. Peers are carefully and systematically taught strategies for engaging children and youth with ASD in positive and extended social interactions in both teacher-directed and learner-initiated activities. Students with autism have communication and social deficits…not necessarily cognitive deficits. Who understands age appropriate social and communication skills better than same aged peers?

  4. Each Program Looks Different • Grades of Target Students? • School Resources? • Training of LINK Students?

  5. Staff Training

  6. Introductory LINKS Lessons in Classrooms

  7. LINKS ProgramTurner Howson Elementary

  8. Johnny’s Strengths Johnny’s Challenges

  9. Many of Johnny’s challenges occur because he has… • Some Quick Information… • Autism Spectrum Disorder is sometimes called ASD • Most students with ASD are born with it • Autism is NOT contagious • There are more boys than girls with autism • Some students with autism talk, and some do not • Most students with autism have strong interest areas • Most students with autism have a difficult time understanding social situations • Students with autism often need to learn in different ways • Kids with an ASD are often very knowledgeable in certain areas Autism, really, is just a different way of thinking…a different way that a brain works!

  10. Teachers and staff are working really hard at this school to assist Johnny. But…many, many, many smart people have done a lot of research and studies and found that the people who can best help kids with autism learn and grow are… PEERS! (other kids their age!)

  11. That’s right! You could be one of Johnny’s strongest LINK Sto success! • So, you are wondering, just what is a LINK? • A LINK will be a student who is about Johnny’s age who will support him. • Most importantly – a LINK is a good friend! • A LINK will play and talk about things that Johnny is interested in, and help him discover other fun things, too! • A LINK might work next to Johnny on a classroom assignment. • Johnny will need a LINK at recess and lunch and perhaps even some other areas like the classroom or speech • The LINKS will meet frequently to talk about what is going well with Johnny, where he’s struggling, and discuss how YOU can help. The LINK meetings are usually pretty fun and treats or special lunches are often involved  • You can volunteer if you are interested. We have applications and permission slips for you to fill out if you are. • We’ll let you know when the first LINK meeting will be very soon!

  12. Middle School…. • Informal Initial Meeting • Information on ASD • Information/Brainstorming on the Student • Medium of Exchange is critical…and often difficult. • (Informal Observation…)Initially join for the snacks and positive adult interaction

  13. Medium of ExchangeLinking General Education Students with Students with an ASD

  14. Regular LINK Meetings

  15. Case Conferences

  16. Teaching Opportunities as Part of the LINK Process • Flexible Thinking • Strong LINK vs. Weaker LINK • Theory of Mind (20 Questions, Charades, etc.) • K’Nex – Cooperation

  17. LINKS Community Event

  18. Quarterly LINK Activities • Fun activities beyond the school building. • Keeps LINKS motivated and actively engaged. • Opportunities for social modeling • New experiences of visiting places with peers instead of adults.

  19. LINK Celebrations • Elementary/Middle – 2 hour barbeque and kickball game. • High School – Piston’s Game • Reflection questionnaires from LINKS on their experiences • Good time to recruit next year’s LINKS

  20. Data Supports Peer to Peer • Decreased need for paraprofessional support • Increased exposure to general education • Decreased office referrals • Increased interests and participation in general education curriculum • Friends –

  21. EUPISD Pilot LINK Program Recipient of the 2011 Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education Mini-Grant President’s Award. EUPISD LINK Video

  22. Carrie Carr Teacher Consultant - Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders EUPISD ccarr@eup.k12.mi.us (906) 632-3373 x 107

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