Author: Kimberly Ramos, Assistant Executive Director
Beyond the obvious health risks that COVID-19, the pandemic has undoubtedly impacted children’s mental health and well-being. School closures have resulted in a new era of learning and relationships that some students still have difficulty navigating. As a result, it is important to provide children with opportunities to connect with their peers in order to nurture their social and emotional needs.
Our solution:
Peer mentorship for children with intellectual and developmental disorders (IDD)
what is peer mentorship?
Peer mentorship is an intervention used to improve social skills and increase the number of interactions between children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their neurotypical peers. Typically developing children are explicitly taught strategies to engage in positive social interactions with individuals with ASD.
Why is peer mentorship important?
Peer mentorship promotes awareness, acceptance, and prosocial behaviors. Elementary school students who were part of an integrated classroom had a more accurate understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and greater empathy towards a hypothetical student with ASD compared to students who had no contact with peers with ASD (Mavropoulou & Sideridis, 2014).
““Behavior is communication. Change the environment and behaviors will change.””
In other words, students increase knowledge and social acceptance of peers with disabilities when given opportunities to interact with each other. In turn, children with ASD and other IDD’s develop improved social skills, a sense of belonging, and a more positive self esteem.
When we create a safe and inclusive learning environment that supports the social and emotional development of each and every child, we see increased connection, communication, and community.
What is MAGIC Buddies?
MAGIC Buddies was established in September 2019 and is MAGIC Dance Arts’ peer mentorship program for children ages 9-14. Buddies learn effective communication skills, the importance of empathy, and respect for diversity and differences. In addition to participating in class alongside MAGIC students, Buddies will further be educated about aspects of autism, including sensory needs or behaviors a peer may exhibit. We encourage Buddies to recruit their friends and classmates to join our mission and become a part of a community that celebrates the uniqueness of each individual.
*Due to COVID-19, all opportunities with MAGIC Buddies are virtual.
How can my child become a MAGIC buddy?
We will have the very first MAGIC Buddies Orientation on Saturday, March 27 at 1PM (PST) via Zoom. To make sure your child is a part of this training event, visit our website and submit your application today: https://www.magicdancearts.com/buddy-home.
Sources
Mavropoulou, Sophia, & Sideridis, Georgios D. (2014). “Knowledge of Autism and Attitudes of Children Towards Their Partially Integrated Peers with Autism Spectrum Disorders.” Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(8), 1867–1885. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2059-0
Tichenor, Keri (2016). "The Effects of Peer Mentoring on Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder," Inquiry: The University of Arkansas Undergraduate Research Journal. 20(8). Available at: http://scholarworks.uark.edu/inquiry/vol20/iss1/8