With Open Arms: Creating a Supportive School Community for Kids with Social Challenges

With Open Arms: Creating a Supportive School Community for Kids with Social Challenges
Autism Society

Mark, the beautiful boy with Asperger Syndrome (AS) whose fascination with dinosaurs makes him sound like an expert far older than his six years, has meltdowns at school several times a week. Emily, a 10th-grader with AS, becomes animated every time she talks about the book series Twilight and its recent film adaptation. But she seems oblivious to the bored nods of peers who try to avoid getting “trapped” in conversation with her. And Luke, the mathematical genius with AS, reluctantly has to tear himself away from his calculus book every time his resource teacher forces him to converse with those around him. On the one hand, the adults who care for these children with autism spectrum disorders stand in awe and appreciation of their gifts and talents. On the other, they worry that the peers in the world in which they spend much of their time—school—never see past their odd behaviors. Indeed, these misunderstood children are ignored at best, and more often than not are the objects of ridicule and bullying. Peer education and Circle of Friends can be important steps in establishing a positive social environment for children with social challenges.

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