1. LINKS Program Rudyard Elementary

2. John’s StrengthsJohn’s Challenges

3. 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 Many of John’s challenges occur because he has… Autism, really, is just a different way of thinking…a different way that a brain works!

5. Teachers and staff are working really hard at Rudyard Elementary to assist John. 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!)

6. That’s right! You could be one of John’s strongest LINK S to success! So, you are wondering, just what is a LINK? A LINK will be a student who is about his age who will support him. Most importantly – a LINK is a good friend! A LINK will play and talk about things that he is interested in, and help him discover other fun things, too! A LINK might work next to him on a classroom assignment. He will need a LINK at recess and lunch and perhaps even some other areas like the classroom or resource room. The LINKS will meet frequently to talk about what is going well with him, 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!