Abstract:

STARR Collaboration is a sensory-integrated transitional approach to reinforcing retention in leaders with disabilities. Sensory processing disorders affect 5 to 16 percent of school-aged children, altering their ability to emotionally regulate and process information. Research suggests that by engaging leaders with Autism in sensory integration; behavioral, academic, social, reading, and language development skills are improved. We believe that by enriching our summer curriculum with sensory-integrated activities that we are reinforcing our leaders’ ability to retain not only academic information but also increase coping and social emotional skills.

STARR Collaboration is an all-inclusive opportunity to form partnerships between educators, future educators, parents, and leaders. Leaders will be engaged in a 6 week summer camp with a sensory-integrated curriculum. Summer camp will be taught by licensed educators and supervised by a licensed teacher holding a Master’s in Special Education and ABA therapy. Families will be given multiple opportunities to engage in their leader’s education.

Our approach is unique in the aspect of transitioning the skills learned during our summer camp across multiple environments. We plan to achieve this transition through increased parental/family involvement. We are prepared to not only educate leaders with Autism but also family members of leaders with Autism. Family members will become advocates for their leaders by becoming active members of their educational future. Family advocates will receive two kits with 6 activities that align with the curriculum taught during summer camp. These kits are designed to assist with the transition of skills between home and school settings.

Keywords:

Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD), Autism Education, STEM.