Advocacy Superheroes: Empowering Kids With Autism to Speak Up!
What's included
8 live meetings
6 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. In addition to weekly notes detailing what has been covered in class, we'll provide suggestions on how to practice advocacy skills at home and in the community. These recommendations aim to reinforce learning and empower your child to apply their newfound skills in real-life situations beyond the classroom.Class Experience
Beginner Level
This class is designed for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are seeking to develop their self-advocacy skills in a supportive and understanding environment. Whether your child is just beginning their advocacy journey or seeking to refine their skills, Advocacy Superheroes welcomes all aspiring self-advocates! In this class, we will cover the following: Understanding Advocacy: Students will learn the meaning of advocacy in simple terms, understanding that it involves speaking up for their own needs and rights. Building Self-Awareness: Through engaging activities and discussions, children will explore their own strengths, challenges, and preferences, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves. Children will learn to recognize their own needs and preferences in various situations, such as at school, home, or in the community. The 3 P's of Advocacy: Be Polite, Be Precise, and Be Persistent. By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to understand how using these qualities can help you speak up for what you need in a respectful and effective way. Communication Skills: Centered around the 3 P’s, students will engage in role-playing to practice effective communication techniques, including using words, gestures, or visual supports to express their thoughts and feelings. Assertiveness Training: Kids will practice being assertive in a positive and respectful manner, learning how to assert their needs while considering the feelings and perspectives of others. Problem-Solving Strategies: Through collaborative activities and guided discussions, students will learn practical problem-solving strategies to address challenges they may encounter in advocating for themselves, and what they can do if this should happen. Self-Advocacy in Different Settings: Students will explore how to apply self-advocacy skills in different settings such as stores, restaurants, social gatherings, or healthcare appointments. Confidence Building: Through encouragement and positive reinforcement, children will gain confidence in their ability to advocate for themselves, recognizing their own agency and worth. Students will reflect on their learning and share strategies they hope to implement in their daily lives. In my teaching approach, I prioritize tailored support, recognizing the unique needs of each child and adapting my methods accordingly. Through multi-sensory learning techniques such as visual aids and interactive games, I ensure that all learning styles are accommodated. Positive reinforcement is central to my approach, fostering a supportive atmosphere where every achievement is celebrated. Collaborative learning activities encourage peer support and empathy, while students are welcomed to participate in their preferred manner—be it orally, through text, or with gestures—ensuring their comfort and engagement throughout the learning process. I hope your child can join us on an empowering journey to become confident and effective advocates for their own needs and rights! Together, let's unleash the Advocacy Superhero within each and every student!
Learning Goals
Students will learn advocacy basics, including self-expression and awareness. They'll learn effective communication and problem-solving skills, applying them confidently across different settings. Through positive reinforcement, they'll gain the confidence to assert their needs respectfully while considering others' perspectives.
Syllabus
8 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Understanding Advocacy
Students will learn the meaning of advocacy in simple terms, understanding that it involves speaking up for their own needs and rights.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Building Self-Awareness
Through engaging activities and discussions, children will explore their own strengths, challenges, and preferences, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves. Children will learn to recognize their own needs and preferences in various situations, such as at school, home, or in the community.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
The 3 P's of Advocacy
Be Polite, Be Precise, and Be Persistent. By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to understand how using these qualities can help you speak up for what you need in a respectful and effective way.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Communication Skills
Centered around the 3 P’s, students will engage in role-playing to practice effective communication techniques, including using words, gestures, or visual supports to express their thoughts and feelings.
50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
This specially designed course is tailored to the needs of students with ASD. Various response options are provided to encourage participation. Visual aids are used throughout the curriculum, along with notes provided after each class.
Pre-Requisites
No previous requirements are necessary for your child to join our course at Advocacy Superheroes—just bring their enthusiasm! We welcome all students, regardless of their prior experience or skill level.
Supply List
Parents, rest assured that notes will be provided after each class, ensuring that you're kept informed of topics covered. These notes will serve as a helpful resource for you to support your child's advocacy journey outside the classroom.
Teacher expertise and credentials
California Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
I graduated from SUNY Cortland in Cortland, New York, with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 2000. Following my degree, I became a certified teacher in New York (2000), Virginia (2005) and most recently, California (2019-present), where I currently hold a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and a Cross-cultural Language and Academic Development Credential. Additionally, I pursued certification as a Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher (2022), recognizing the importance of holistic well-being in the educational journey.
With nearly 25 years of teaching experience spanning grades 3 through 8, I've dedicated my career to fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments where every student can thrive. Throughout each academic year, I've served as a collaborative teacher, closely collaborating with special education staff and providing personalized support to students with special needs in my classroom. As both a mother to a daughter with Autism and as an educator with decades of experience, I bring a unique perspective and a wealth of talent to empower children with Autism to advocate for themselves. Witnessing the positive impact of Outschool classes on my own daughter, who has greatly benefited from them, I have been inspired to extend my expertise to students and families in similar situations.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$172
for 8 classes1x per week, 8 weeks
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
1-9 learners per class