Free Resources from Leading Autism Nonprofit Proof Positive
New York, August 23, 2024 – As the new school year approaches, Proof Positive, a leading nonprofit dedicated to promoting autism wellbeing, offers free resources to help educators, students, and caregivers foster happiness and success in the classroom. In light of issues with educator retention and recruitment, these resources are designed to prioritize mental and emotional health, ensuring a supportive environment for all.
Research has consistently shown that happiness and wellbeing are essential for optimal performance and health. For educators, learning and practicing wellbeing skills can lead to better teaching outcomes, increased resilience, and a more supportive classroom environment. For students, especially those with autism, focusing on wellbeing can enhance social, emotional, and academic success.
Proof Positive has curated evidence-based strategies to help educators and caregivers cultivate happiness and wellbeing. These strategies are simple to implement and can make a significant difference in the daily lives of teachers, students, and families. Here are five practical tips to get started:
- Reflect on what went well. Write down three good things that happened each day for two weeks.
- Find Jolts of Joy. Make a list of five small things or acts that instantly make you happy, and intentionally seek those things every day for two weeks.
- Increase your sunlight intake to 5-10 minutes first thing in the morning and as the sun sets at night.
- Add a walk to your day for at least 10 minutes twice daily. Movement is our best medicine.
- Share your good news, big or small, with a designated person each day. Celebrate the good together.
Dedicated to scaling access to resources for autism wellbeing, Proof Positive recently held its second annual Learning Institute in preparation for the school year. Twenty handpicked leaders from across the country gathered at a weeklong intensive meeting to implement positive psychology in their organizations and schools. These leaders are driving a movement that recognizes the critical role of wellbeing in educational success.
Theresa Hill, a Social Worker at The Cove School in Northbrook, IL, and Proof Positive Autism Wellbeing Alliance member, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to attend the Learning Institute. She stated, “This experience has been transformative, providing invaluable insights and strategies that I look forward to implementing within our school and community.” She added, “Incorporating these practices is beneficial for setting up both students and staff for success throughout the school year.”
Recognizing the vital role of educators in fostering positive environments, Proof Positive has made it easier for teachers to access resources to promote happiness and wellbeing in the classroom. These resources are available for free on popular distribution sites Teachers Pay Teachers and Share My Lesson, to support educational equity. Proof Positive believes happiness is a teachable skill and should be accessible to all, including educators and autistic students.
Proof Positive is committed to spreading the science and skills of happiness within the autism community and beyond. The organization invites educators, parents, and community leaders to join its mission to create a world where wellbeing is prioritized and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
To access these free resources, visit Teachers Pay Teachers or Proof Positive’s Skills Center.
About Proof Positive
Proof Positive is a national nonprofit leading the way to improve the wellbeing of autistic people and their families and communities. Using the science of positive psychology, Proof Positive provides open-source, evidence-informed tools for educators through its partnerships, curricula and resources. Join our community and learn more at proofpositive.org!
Join the Autism Wellbeing Alliance
Proof Positive is building an alliance of like-minded partner organizations, universities and research institutes, and a movement of individual educators, parents and students with autism. The organization also plans to fund and share research at the intersection of positive psychology and autism intervention, train educators in positive psychology and spread access to autism resources. Join us.
