We’re in it now: another school year taking us into the great unknown. Parents, students, and educators are all living with a “wait and see” approach as we live in a state of constant adaptability in yet another pandemic school year. Join us to hear practical tips and advice from today’s guest!

Chris Banks is CEO and president of the Autism Society of America. He came to the society in 2020 from a comprehensive background in human services and healthcare, and he is a proven transformational leader committed to diversity and cultural growth. We are discussing what his organization does, along with the wealth of resources provided for parents, educators, and students.

Show Highlights:

• Chris’ background and how his role merges his prior skills, talents, and interests
• Chris’ message about how businesses can help change the corporate culture and shift their perspective by hiring autistic employees
• Why a focus on diversity and inclusion in education serves the best interests of the children AND the best interests of the community as a whole
• How “big picture” thinking goes beyond awareness to acceptance, inclusion, and belonging
• How the Autism Society of America’s COVID-19 Toolkit is being distributed and used around the world
• Silver linings of the pandemic regarding many important issues in education
• Why many autistic students have thrived academically but regressed socially during the pandemic
• Why parents have to manage their own anxiety first in transitioning kids back to schoo
• Chris’ tips for easing the transition to in-person learning for autistic students:
• Ask for a video tour of the school to add a level of comfort for kids.
• Connect kids to the school’s support staff.
• Establish bedtime and waking routines.
• Take kids on social outings with masks.
• Create a countdown calendar and schedule.
• How the resources provided on The Autism Society of America’s website are relevant and timely and available through affiliates across the US

Connect with the Autism Society of America:

Autism Society

On Facebook: Autism Society of America

Links/Resources:

Thank you for listening!

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