News and Knowledge

Since its introduction in April 2012, the Kit for Kids peer education program has reached more than 80,000 students. The goal of the Kit for Kids, which includes the story, “What’s up with Nick?” is to promote autism awareness and acceptance of classmates with autism among children (grades K-8) in a non-threatening and age-appropriate manner.

By learning about autism and some of the differences it may present, students in general education classrooms can better understand their peers on the spectrum. “[The program] took the mystery out of some of the behaviors seen by peers with autism in the classroom,” says Jackie Bergerson, an ASD specialist from Astoria, Ore., who taught the lesson in her school in 2012.

Incorporating the Kit for Kids into a curriculum is a great early step in a school’s anti-bullying strategy. Research shows that students with disabilities—especially those with autism—are more vulnerable to bullying than their counterparts. The Kit is designed to be led by students who have a positive influence on their classmates. It encourages students to celebrate everyone’s differences and helps to foster a more inclusive school community. For example, at a school in Shrewsbury, Mass., “the students participated in discussion about characteristics that are the same and different in themselves and helped to celebrate the diversity among the group,” says Kristen Herrick, the school’s ELC program coordinator. “The students also generated ways to help classmates who had specific needs.”

She also notes that “students approach their peers with autism more often, react less to challenging behaviors, and invite them to play [and be their] partner more often.”

The Kit gave Sarah Senft’s students “some insight into and understanding of some of the struggles people with autism face.” An autistic support teacher in Sidman, Pa., Senft adds that the kit also helped students to “understand that kids with autism might need a little extra support but can be just like them. After doing the lesson with the classroom, the students asked many insightful questions.”

 What is Included in the Kit for Kids Program?

The hardcopy Kit for Kids program includes:

• One lesson plan
• One “helpful information” sheet
• One classroom poster
• 20 “What’s up with Nick?” booklets
• One feedback form 

The online components include:

• A three-minute animated introductory video
• Activity workbooks (K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8) for colored printing 

Spread the Word

OAR encourages you to share this program with other educators, autism specialists, principals, and counselors. The Kit for Kids program is a great addition to classroom libraries and school programs that serve elementary and middle school students in the general population. It is also a great resource for parents, school districts, autism resource centers, and other organizations that serve the needs of the autism community.

Order the Kit for April’s Autism Awareness Month

Autism Awareness Month is an excellent time to use the Kit for Kids program to teach bullying prevention, teach lessons about diversity, and build positive school culture. You can access and share the entire Kit for Kids program online. You can order the free print version through our online store. For questions, comments, or bulk orders, please contact OAR at 703-243-3466 or programs@researchautism.org.