Students in Clarkston’s ASD Link program celebrated a successful year with a picnic, June 4 at Clintonwood Park.
The junior and middle school students work with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
“They develop friendships, do homework together ? ASD students learn more from their peers,” said Jeff Long, teacher at Clarkston Junior High.
They model appropriate behavior and assist ASD students with daily schedules, classes, and assignments.
“Students develop a sense of responsibility,” said Hank Passmore, teacher at Sashabaw Middle School. “We emphasize leadership and empathy skills. From the beginning of the program to the end, you can see a real difference in the kids.”
Clarkston’s program is funded through a START grant, STatewide Autism Resources And Training.
“I’m learning how to help people ? I want to be a teacher,” said student Mikayla Jidas.
? Phil Custodio