Public Health Sudbury & Districts and the Rainbow District School Board have teamed up with to pilot a social skills training intervention program.
Called PEERS®, the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills is geared to teens with autism spectrum disorder.
Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, says forming and maintaining trusting relationships with teachers, friends, family, and adults is key to students having a sense of belonging and supporting their mental health.
The research project is taking place in a Grade 8 classroom with non-autistic students for 16 weeks.
Dr. Sutcliffee adds facilitators want to determine if the program can be effectively transferred to the classroom setting for the benefit of all students.
To access the board’s Mental Health Strategic Plan, go to: https://www.rainbowschools.ca/news/rainbow-district-school-board-adopts-mental-health-strategic-plan/