Resource and Tool Database
| Title | Description | Keywords | Format | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Writing Your Story with Peer to Peer Resources | Are you ready to join over 600 buildings statewide with a Peer to Peer program, or enhance your existing program with fresh activities? Either way, START has excellent resources to explore! Before you begin, keep this STARTism in mind: START Somewhere and START Now. Each Peer to Peer program has their own unique story that has been written and edited over time, but they all began by taking their first step. | START Connecting | Article | |
| When Words Matter | Beginning in the 1970s, Autism Awareness week was a way to raise awareness about autism at a time when the known prevalence of autism was 1 in 2,500 and it was considered an uncommon childhood disorder... | START Connecting | Article | |
| What Autism Awareness and Acceptance Should Be About | According to Governor Whitmer’s proclamation, it is Autism Acceptance month. Governor Whitmer was quoted in The County Press, “During Autism Acceptance Month, we encourage all Michiganders to learn more about autism, recognize the different strengths individuals with autism have to offer, and support our family, friends, and neighbors with autism. In Michigan, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to chase their dreams and lead rewarding, productive lives.” | START Connecting | Article | |
| Welcome Back Whats New at START for 2026-2027 | Welcome to a new school year! Whether you are settling into a new routine or already well underway, we are excited to reconnect with you. This year brings a variety of training opportunities, new and updated resources, changes to the Effective Practices Leadership Initiative (EPLI), and an expanded website. Here’s a look at what’s new and what’s coming up! | START Connecting | Article | |
| Visual Supports in Practice | As the school year progresses and planning for the next year begins, inclusive classrooms remain active spaces where students learn, communicate, and grow in ways that reflect their individual strengths. Visual supports create clear expectations, support communication modalities, and give students tools to participate more independently in daily routines and classroom activities. | START Connecting | Article | |
| Transition Planning for Autistic Adolescents and Young Adults | Intentional planning and preparation for the future can result in more positive outcomes for autistic youth transitioning to adulthood (Test et al., 2020). This is a multi-faceted process that takes place over time versus discrete events and involves the student... | START Connecting | Article | |
| Transition Planning Early Childhood Through Adulthood for Autistic Students | Why start transition planning early? The transition from high school to adulthood is a vital process for young autistic adults, and preparing for this transition can begin in early childhood. Focusing on elements of self-determination throughout primary and secondary education can improve preparation for high school, facilitate transition planning, and increase satisfaction in adulthood. | START Connecting | Article | |
| Transition Empowering Students Through Self-Determination | Student empowerment is important for all students, with and without disabilities, for achieving greater independence. It involves helping students make choices and decisions that prepare them for the transition out of high school and to adulthood. I’m Determined is a comprehensive resource with tools and supports to promote self-determination with students from early childhood through young adulthood. | START Connecting | Article | |
| Together We Thrive All Students Benefit as Peer Supports | Who are the LINK students in your Peer to Peer programs? You might be inclined to invite high-performing students to participate as peer supports. After all, these are the students who are engaged in classes and can serve as “ideal” role models. However, the data from the START Project peer outcomes study... | START Connecting | Article | |
| The Classroom Environment and Teaching Assessment CETA Updates | The Classroom Environment and Teaching Assessment (CETA) was introduced in 2011 to give teachers and school teams a proactive way to strengthen inclusive classroom practices and help ensure students have access to the least restrictive environment. The goal of the CETA is to create classrooms where all students can be successful, especially those with higher support needs. | START Connecting | Article | |
| Teaching Toileting Skills to Young Children Resources for Early Educators and Families | Developing toileting skills is one of the most important milestones for young children as they move toward independence. When a child transitions from diapers to a regular routine of toileting, it reduces time spent on diaper changes and the financial burden of diapers. It also opens up more time for learning and play in early childhood settings and increased opportunities for social and community activities as the child gets older (e.g., day camps, sleepovers). | START Connecting | Article | |
| Taking Steps to Develop a Coaching Structure Learning from One Districts Experience | The START Regional Collaborative Networks (RCN) have priorities they work on each year through our partnership. One priority is to establish a Coaching Structure. This structure involves recruiting and training building coaches, as well as offering ongoing professional learning and support to help coaches work closely with building teams and classroom staff... | START Connecting | Article | |
| Revealing the Double Empathy Problem | At age 2, my son’s first words didn’t seem to “stick.” He wasn’t imitating speech sounds, and his response to his name became less reliable. During the preschool years, his teachers noted his solitary play, difficulty sitting for circle time, and sensitivity to the feel of sunscreen and certain types of clothing... | START Connecting | Article | |
| Regional Collaborative Networks Creating Stronger Communities to Support Students | When the START Project launched in 2001, we wondered how a small team of START staff could address the needs of students with autism in a large, diverse state. As we connected with ISDs and districts across the state, we immediately knew that our best hope of supporting students with autism... | START Connecting | Article | |
| Pyramid Model | This month, we are spotlighting the Pyramid Model and its importance in early childhood programming. If you are new to the model or want to learn more, we are offering a two-hour introductory training on May 8, 2026. To pique your interest, we are sharing a brief overview of the Pyramid Model and their resources. | START Connecting | Article | |
| Promoting Inclusion and Belonging Everyday | Inclusion is a word that can evoke various images and meanings to each one of us. Meaningful inclusion is demonstrated when people with disabilities are involved in natural, everyday activities and given opportunities to be involved in ways similar to their peers who do not have a disability... | START Connecting | Article | |
| Preschool Life Skills (PLS): Teaching Foundational Behaviors for School Success |
This START Connecting article explores Preschool Life Skills (PLS), which is a research-based, supplemental curriculum that provides a set of tools to help teach important social and life skills for school success. The PLS program includes a set of lessons developed by Dr. Gregory Hanley and colleagues to increase skills in making requests, following directions, tolerating delay, and developing friendships |
PLS, START Connecting | Article | |
| PLS Teaching Foundational Behaviors for School Success | Do your preschoolers share with other children? Do they consistently look when a teacher calls their name? What about asking for help or following directions? Many children need explicit instruction and multiple practice opportunities to learn these skills, especially as they prepare for kindergarten... | START Connecting | Article | |
| Peer to Peer Support Is a Participation Model | Whether you’ve supported a Peer to Peer program for one semester, or for multiple years, you have undoubtedly seen the powerful impact on relationships, school culture, and lived experiences... | START Connecting | Article | |
| Peer to Peer and Unified Champion Schools Collaboration | How do you create a culture in your school that promotes friendships and inclusiveness for all students 365 days a year? A collaboration between START’s Peer to Peer and Special Olympics’ Unified Champion Schools (UCS) is a powerful resource that accomplishes all of those goals... | START Connecting | Article |
Page last modified October 2, 2026