The ASA's 39th National Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders of ASA

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, AZ

http://www.autism-society.org/
For a complete author index with session numbers, please click here
Saturday, July 12, 2008: 10:45 AM-12:00 PM
Miami 2
#3225- With Open Arms: Creating School Communities of Support for Socially Challenged Kids
Kids with Asperger Syndrome, ADD, and other conditions which can create behavioral and social challenges, often have problems making friends and understanding social connections. School can be a lonely, scary place where teachers often struggle to know how to help and lack the time to do so. Learn how to promote feelings of belonging through implementation of Circle of Friends, extracurricular activities, and staff learning teams. Target audience: parents and school staff of upper elementary, middle, and high school students.

Presenter:Mary Schlieder, M.S., Norris School District, Special Educator, 2008 Nebraska Teacher of the Year - Mary Schlieder is a middle/high school special educator who works with students with behavioral and social challenges. Her recently published book, "With Open Arms: Creating School Communities of Support for Socially Challenged Kids", is a blueprint for peer acceptance. She is the 2008 Nebraska Teacher of the Year.
 
Middle and high school students with Asperger Syndrome are met with new challenges as they enter their adolescent years.  The difficulties they experience acquiring social skills are magnified in the often indifferent and even hostile environment in the middle and high school setting.  Peers, teachers, and administrators often don’t understand them.  At the time they need positive social interaction practice the most, they often are denied those opportunities.  Although social skills are sometimes offered through special education programs, there is little generalization that takes place in the classroom, hallways, cafeteria, and on the bus.  These students require a welcoming school environment with peers and teachers who understand and interact appropriately with them. Having worked with this population as a special educator for the past ten years, the importance of creating a supportive school community  cannot be stressed enough.  In my school, the Norris Public School District in Firth, NE, we have implemented elements of a positive behavior support system which have done just this.  My workshop, With Open Arms: Creating School Communities of Support, outlines how to educate peers, implement Circle of Friends which is a peer mentor program, promote extracurricular activity participation for additional social interaction opportunities, and how to lead staff in learning teams which encourage understanding and positive interaction.  As a result of this ten year project, our students with AS experience positive relationships with peers, are an integral part of student activities, and are better prepared for post-secondary transition.  This work has been shared throughout my state, and I have been recognized as the 2008 Nebraska Teacher of the Year as a result.

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