The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

For individuals with ASD or other social differences, the school experience is often a lonely one. The core social, communication and behavioral challenges characteristic of this and/or other disorders impact the development of meaningful social relationships. Typical children may ignore the student with differences out of ignorance or as a way to be polite and accepting. In other situations, students with ASD or other social differences can be victims of teasing or bullying. Without the implementation of a comprehensive social-skills program, children with ASD or other differences are vulnerable and often neglected by their classmates. 

While children are often willing to befriend a child with ASD or other difference, they need a certain amount of training, structure and encouragement to do so. Children who are taught to understand, play and communicate with a child with ASD or other difference are more likely to develop confidence and interest in helping that child over time. At the same time, when children with ASD or other differences are prompted, encouraged and supported by their peers in natural settings throughout the school day and year, they have the opportunity to learn and practice emerging social skills. Developing a sense of social competence in classmates and the individual with ASD or other difference is necessary in the education program.

The SARRC FRIEND Program supports the development of social and interpersonal skills for school-age students with ASD, creating a culture for understanding and accepting, and implementing school-wide change benefiting students, faculty, staff and families. This program includes three primary components. The Peer Sensitivity Curriculum offers direct strategies to typical peers and the school faculty to learn how to interact appropriately with students with differences. The Playground Program provides school-wide support on the playground to structure and facilitate activities to create an inclusive environment for all students. The Lunch Program is implemented during lunch in the natural environment to support opportunities for students to develop and practice appropriate social communication skills.