In Your Classroom
There are many ways to help kids embrace, accept, and show respect for their peers on the autism spectrum.
MAKING IT PERSONAL
Former junior ambassador, Stephen Goodyear, helped educate younger grades by reading a book about autism. He set a positive example by talking about the importance of autism acceptance.
Buddy-up | Create an autism awareness buddy program or other peer activity to support building friendships
Plan a Lesson | Use our Autism Awareness lesson plans or A Kid’s Guide to Autism Acceptance for activities
Read Aloud | Share a book and have a group discussion
Fact-A-Day | Start each day by sharing a fact about autism throughout the month of April
Decorate | Incorporate Autism Awareness messages into a bulletin board or your classroom decor
Books about autism
Bulletin Board Ideas
Bookmark Contest:
Encourage your students to enter Autism New Jersey’s 2024 Autism Awareness Bookmark Contest! It’s free, gets kids thinking about autism acceptance, and is fun! The winner has their art featured on the 2025 bookmarks. Download a contest form>>
Lesson Plans & Activities
Thoughts on Making Friends:
Tim Rohrer shares his story to educate students about making connections and developing friendships with individuals with autism. High school was not an easy time for Tim. His experiences fueled him to strive for change. He authored and illustrated a children's book, Timmy’s Story: A Story About Autism and Friendship! Read more about Tim>>
For Teachers & Staff
Here are some ideas to promote autism awareness to other teachers and staff in your school.
MAKING IT PERSONAL
Longtime ambassador Angie Tener celebrates the autism community every April by decorating bulletin boards and planning fun events and activities.
Combat bullying by sharing resources to bring attention to this important issue that disproportionally affects students with disabilities.
Share the link to our ambassador hub with your colleagues. www.autismnjambassador.org
Organize a school-wide Dress Down Day for autism awareness.
Print out an autism fact sheet and add to teacher mailboxes.
Create staff challenges or dares as incentives for students and faculty to raise funds for autism.
Choose Kind Words:
Ambassador Rylee Howerton is dedicating her time to educate fellow students with her Choose Wise Words campaign. After overhearing her peers use the “r-word,” she set out to end the use of harmful words. Rylee has authored a book, and was recently crowned “North Jersey’s Outstanding Teen” for her outstanding efforts. Read her inspiring story>>
Facts for Educators & Kids
In Your District
One voice can be impactful but imagine what an entire school district can achieve together. Collaboration is key to making a difference for students with autism.
MAKING IT PERSONAL
Each year Byram School district has an opportunity for a student to design an autism awareness t-shirt that they sell for the annual Dress Down Day in April.
Bring on the spirit! | Plan a district-wide spirit week in April for autism awareness.
Involve your PTO | Request parent volunteers for an Autism Awareness committee to organize activities and events.
DO something fun | Learn about our free Do-A-Thon and easily organize a district-wide event to help raise funds for autism.
Share information | Send an Ambassador Connection e-newsletter to students’ parents with information about autism.
Kids love stickers!
Order our FREE stickers for your students to wear on World Autism Awareness Day or autism awareness spirit day!
