in an effort to create a more
inclusive and caring environment. But even with
all these efforts, I know
there are still kids out there
who are hurting, who feel
lost in plain sight, who are
about to step on a bunch of
mines.
Buddy Benches:
Making Recess Time More
Inclusive
Can a bench on a playground really reduce
bullying and foster friendI should add that everyone
ships? Many schools
on the spectrum is differseem to think so. At the
ent. The issues I struggled
very least, they are willwith may not apply to all
ing to give them a try. A
students on the spectrum.
Buddy Bench, which is
But the point is to demonthe most common name
strate the value of stepping
given to these benches, is
back and looking at differmeant to be a place where
ent facets of the school day
any student can volunin more detail. With autism
tarily sit if he feels lonely
issues, it’s important to
or upset during recess.
consider a student’s unique
The hope is that other stupersonality and needs and
dents will recognize that
then ask if there are any
someone is on the bench
settings that may be creatand then either ask that person to play or sit down to talk.
ing unnecessary stress and The principals who have installed these benches say that
anxiety. If the answer is
they are much more than just decorations; they are a helpful
yes, then it is time to work way for schools to facilitate “peer support” among students.
together, parent, teacher
After all, it only takes one child willing to reach out, and soon,
and child, to remove those other children will reach out too.
minefields.
M. Kelter writes about life on the autism spectrum at his blog, Invisible Strings. You can
visit his Twitter and Facebook page, where positive discussions with an active parent
community are ongoing. He has been a guest contributor for Kate Winslet’s Golden Hat
Foundation blog and The T [