1. LINKs Training Martin Public Schools

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

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

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

5. 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

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

7. 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

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

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

10. Mozart and the Whale – Breaking Records

11. 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

12. Gigli and Baywatch

13. 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

14. Rainman and People’s Court

15. 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.

17. Strategies that Work with Students with ASD
Visual Schedules

20. 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

21. Strategies that Work with Students with ASD
Communication Systems

25. Strategies that Work with Students with ASD
Behavioral Systems

30. 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.

31. 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.

32. 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.

33. Responsibilities of a Peer to Peer Support Student

34. What is my
job as a peer
to peer
support?

35. 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

36. Matrix picture

37. 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

38. Rules of the Peer to Peer Support Program

40. Grades for LINKS Attendance 15% of Grade
Reporting Absences 10% of Grade
Must report your absences before 7:30am either by voic or 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

41. 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

42. Thank You…and Have Fun