Welcome to Student Initiatives of Autism Speaks!
Student Initiatives of Autism Speaks are open to students of any age who want to join together to make a difference in the global health crisis of autism, regardless of their personal connection. Our goal is to create a community that is educated about autism by empowering students to pave the way for acceptance and understanding.

By getting involved in a Student Initiative, you will be taking an active role in your community. Through various activities and peer mentoring, your school and community will be a better place for those affected by autism.

What is autism?
People with autism are as different from one another just as you are different from your classmates. They have challenges, abilities, likes and dislikes just like you. Some challenges for people with autism can include communication, social interaction, and repetitive behavior.  For more information on autism, download the Peers section of our School Communities Toolkit.

We Need Your Help!
We're looking for photos of and stories about student activities for our website. We we're looking for everyone - Student Clubs, Buddies, Youth Leaders, and College Initiatives in action! Please send your photos and stories to studentclubs@autismspeaks.org! 


Educators!
There are small steps you can take to make big changes in your school.

I am a Special Ed Teacher that teaches in a 8:1:3 classroom on Long Island. My students range from 7 years to 10 years old. I have an open door policy with the general ed students in my building. We have students come in daily that would read, work on social skills (ie turn taking, modeling of appropriate behavior during games, and sharing materials) and share the common language of laughter with my ASD students. Each of these wonderful students understand the importance of wait time, simple language, and eye contact when interacting with my students. Their belief in my students have won the hearts of many adults. They have become the ambassadors for my students.
 - Lynda Kranidis
   Special Education Teacher
   Miller Ave Elementary
   SWRSD