What is a key benefit of peer mentoring for students with ASD?

Peer mentoring is particularly beneficial for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as it creates opportunities for building friendships and enhancing social skills. This aspect is crucial because individuals with ASD often experience challenges in social interactions and may struggle to develop appropriate relationships with their peers. In a peer mentoring program, students with ASD can receive guidance and support from their peers, which helps to promote understanding, communication, and social inclusion.

Through structured interactions with peer mentors, students with ASD can learn to interpret social cues, engage in conversations, and practice collaborative activities in a safe and supportive environment. This not only helps them develop important social skills but also fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance among their peers. Establishing friendships can lead to increased self-esteem, decreased feelings of isolation, and a greater overall sense of community, which is vital for their emotional and social development.

While other factors such as academic competition, teacher involvement, and physical health might be relevant, they do not address the primary social and friendship-building needs that peer mentoring seeks to fulfill for students with ASD.