Mendham Educator Discusses Autism And Inclusion

Mendham Township, NEW JERSEY (April 8, 2022) – Reaching out and engaging all students, including students who may have autism, is an imperative for both faculty and students at the Mendham Township School District (MTSD). Autism is a development disorder that may impair a student’s ability to learn and impinge upon their socializing skills. Awareness of autism and an understanding of how it may impact social interactions have greatly increased over the last few years. Yet, it may still be a little unclear, particularly to young students, how to communicate and interact with another student who may have autism.

Dr. Rob Koroski, Director of Special Services at MTSD, explains the importance of going beyond creating awareness and providing the support to facilitate engagement, social interaction, and inclusion. During the month of April (Autism Awareness Month), time and resources at the district’s schools are dedicated to understanding autism, viewing prepared videos and printed media, discussing how someone with autism may feel, and most importantly, demonstrating what any one individual can do to make sure a student with autism is included. By studying autism, students gain insight into the possible frustrations or range of perceptions experienced by students with special needs. In addition, practical, direct examples are provided so that students can become sensitive to possible differences in behavior and speech communications.

At Mendham Township School District pupils are provided with prompts to support student engagement and are encouraged to accommodate variances in other students’ behavior and verbal communication. For example, a compliment from one student to another is a great way to make someone feel good about themselves. It is also a great strategy to help “break the ice,” for students to use when they are meeting a student with autism for the first time. Another strategy is to ask someone to join in a game or sport during recess. Asking someone with autism to join in a game is a good way to include someone without having to be concerned about “I am not sure what to talk about.” This is also a wonderful way to make someone feel included, especially if you see someone sitting alone during recess. Making sure everyone takes turns when playing a game is a great strategy for everyone to feel good about themselves and their contribution to a collaborative effort. It may be particularly important for a child with autism who may prefer structured interaction. This sequencing of playing and taking turns increases confidence and acceptance in all students and is an excellent strategy for including a student with autism.

The school encourages an open dialogue among all students on the subject of autism via classroom discussions and the completion of artwork expressing each individual’s understanding of kindness and inclusion. The artwork comprises “puzzle pieces” which are decorated by the students and are displayed throughout the hallways of the schools. On Thursday, April 7, 2022 everyone at the schools is encouraged to wear blue to celebrate LIGHT IT UP BLUE day.

“The LIGHT IT UP BLUE program puts a focus on autism awareness during the month of April, however, our schools are committed to supporting a diverse student base throughout the entire year,” said Dr. Rob Koroski. “By having the entire student population understand how different people may learn and interact, it creates a win/win solution for everyone. The school reflects a community made up of individual students with different skills, talents, and needs.” The Mendham Township School District seeks to nurture positive interaction and communications among all students. These inclusive strategies help the entire student group prepare to participate and interact with all members of a larger community.