What is Peer to Peer?

Peer to Peer support involves general education peers who model typical academic
and social behavior in educational environments throughout the school day. Peers
provide support for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to promote
661
Peer to Peer
independence and socialization. Teaching peers to interact with, and support, their programs in
peers with ASD by increasing social and learning opportunities within natural
Michigan

3,639
environments leads to new skills, and a sense of belonging that only comes from
being in class with peers and participating in typical school activities.

Benefits for Students

When students with ASD learn alongside their same age peers, learning expands to
a wide range of social, academic and self-determination skills. When provided Students with ASD
learning opportunities within inclusive environments, students with ASD have involved in Peer to Peer
authentic experiences where they can share their talents and strengths within the
programs in Michigan

17,926
school culture and their communities.

Research suggests that peers who participate in peer support programs gain a
number of skills, including organization, responsibility, problem solving,
decision-making, and accountability (Carter, Cushing, & Kennedy, 2009).
Preliminary data collected through START suggests that peer support programs
benefit a range of peers. When academically or behaviorally “at-risk” students General education students
participated as peer supports for students with ASD, they showed improved involved in Peer to Peer
GPAs, decreased absences, and reduced behavior problems in the semester they programs in Michigan
began as a peer support.
 support
opportunities
peers
Benefits for Schools & Communities
Peer to Peer programs have the potential to increase access to general education for a
large number of students who have previously had few opportunities. As the programs
are implemented successfully, teachers, principals and other school professionals learn
from watching general education peers engage with students with ASD. Building culture
may change, bullying may decrease, and school climate may improve. It is a cultural shift
that can gradually expand to embrace entire communities.

How can START help you with Peer to Peer?

1. Visit START's website for resources and materials from all over the state! Don't reinvent the wheel -

hop on someone else's bike!

2. Register for a Peer to Peer Training Module on the START Events page.

3. Use the Peer to Peer Pupil Accounting Manual, approved by the Michigan Department of Education, as

you are designing your Peer to Peer Program to be a state-approved, for-credit, elective course.

4.
Connect with your local Regional Collaborative Network (RCN). By connecting with your RCN, you

will find other people in your region who have developed Peer to Peer programs and who can share

ideas, strategies, and resources with you.

5. If your team is stuck and you're motivated to make this happen, fill out a Technical Assistance Request

Form from the START website.

Scan the code

with your
mobile device
to visit START's
website www.gvsu.edu/autismcenter
autismed@gvsu.edu
(616) 331-6480