LINKs Training Martin Public Schools

STAFF INTRODUCTIONS Ms. Malott – School Social Worker Ms. Amy – Autism Coordinator Ms. Shelly – OT Ms. Marta – Speech Therapist Mrs. Hatley – School Social Worker

ELEMENTARY STAFF Ms. Erin Gauthier –Teacher Ms. Nicki –paraprofessional Ms. Jessica –paraprofessional

MIDDLE SCHOOL STAFF Mr. Clark –Teacher Mrs. Simonds –Paraprofessional Mrs. V. –Paraprofessional

Peer to peer support’s name Peer to peer support hour Hobbies LINKS introduction Peer to peer support’s name Peer to peer support hour Hobbies Favorite Class Family members Why they want to be a peer to peer support for students with ASD

Group discussion about ASD What do you already know about Autism Spectrum Disorder Write ideas on the board

Rapidly Increasing in Numbers of Students Information about ASD Approximately 1:88 Rapidly Increasing in Numbers of Students 4 times more common in males than females Cause is Unknown You are born with autism spectrum disorder You can’t catch it

Characteristics of ASD Social Skill Issues Communication Intense Interests and Repetitive Behavior

Characteristics of ASD Social Skill Issues Difficult developing friends Sharing Information Misunderstanding of Social Situations Reciprocal Social Interactions

Mozart and the Whale – Breaking Records

Characteristics of ASD Communication Verbal and Non-verbal Talk about Interests (time, SpongeBob, Teletubbies) May not seem interested in what peers are talking about May say inappropriate words

Gigli and Baywatch

Characteristics of ASD Intense Interest and Repetitive Behaviors Intense Interest in Certain Topic Areas Students May Like to Do the Same Thing Over and Over (Ipad, computer – pictures, youtube videos) Students May Like Things to Stay the Same – Difficult with Transition

Rainman and People’s Court

Theory of Mind What I see is what others see. What I know is what others know. What I feel is what others feel. What I believe is what others believe.

Strategies that Work with Students with ASD Visual Schedules

Recess Visual Schedule Today is Tuesday At Recess Today I Will 1 2 3 Key Concepts: Visual Schedule at Recess -Know why you are creating the schedule -What is the purpose -If the student has difficulty on the playground…know where the student is struggling Considerations: Application: Example of a recess schedule: Pictures or colors

Strategies that Work with Students with ASD Communication Systems

Strategies that Work with Students with ASD Behavioral Systems

Break When things are hard for me at school I sometimes need to take a break. The staff may assist me to go there. When I take a break I might need to use a weighted blanket to help me relax. Once I feel more relaxed I will come back and be with the other kids.

Sometimes when I am really upset at school, I go to a place called the Chill Room or the staff may help me get there. The Chill Room is a small room just down the hall where I can calm down and then come back to the classroom when I am ready to work again.

CODE RED If a staff member says “CODE RED” it is your job to get your student and yourself out of the room. Elementary – library Middle school – sensory room Stay in this room with your student until a staff member comes to get you.

Responsibilities of a Peer to Peer Support Student

What is my job as a peer to peer support?

Specific Roles of the LINKS Sign in Check with the adult if your student is absent Stay with the student you are assigned Use the communication system provided Use the visual schedule provided Use the behavioral system provided

Matrix picture

How to Fill Out Daily Schedule Sheet Grab the clipboard for your student Fill out the sections for the time of day you are with your student Sign your name on the sheet Put the clipboard back at the end of the hour If you are the last LINK of the day, place the daily sheet in the two pocket folder

Rules of the Peer to Peer Support Program

Grades for LINKS Attendance 15% of Grade Reporting Absences 10% of Grade Must report your absences before 7:30am either by voicemail or email to your TEACHER Journaling 20% of Grade Daily sheets completed in class Reflection Papers based on Assigned Reading 15% of Grade Internet activities Tests, Quizzes, and Final project 15% of Grade Developing Rapport, Communication, Modeling and Initiative 25% of Grade Graded everyday on how you work with the students

THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT BEING A LINK STUDENT A Lot of Information Was Shared Today…Don’t Worry The Staff Is Here to Help You Be Yourself…We Need You to Be Who You Are The Staff is Excited that You Are A Part of the LINKS Support Program

Thank You…and Have Fun