Biidaaban Kinoomagegamik School in Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation has taken on a new proactive step in their support of students with autism and special needs.
Life coach, Theresa Laurenti of Espanola, has brought the Edge of the Box Theatre and Movement for Autism/Special Needs Program to the school.
In the last two years, the program funded by Autism Ontario, has proved to be a successful teaching style for students who are on the spectrum, explains Laurenti.
She creates a safe, non-judgmental space where the students can ‘play out’ their challenging circumstances and allow them to create better responses to those challenges.
In time, their perception of themselves changes and how they view and interact in their world also changes, adds Laurenti.
She is proud of how well the initiative has worked in the Espanola, North Shore and Sudbury area.
Earlier this year, Laurenti presented the initiative at a national forum called the Canadian Autism Leadership Summit in Ottawa where it was well received.