Kyrene del Pueblo Middle School is redefining student leadership through a schoolwide initiative aimed at fostering awareness and acceptance of autism among peers. 

Supported by a $6,000 grant from the Organization for Autism Research, the campaign is designed to educate students about autism through peer-led instruction and meaningful dialogue.

The initiative began in early November with Pueblo’s WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) leaders — eighth-grade student mentors — receiving specialized training from special education teacher Nick Indoma and WEB sponsor Tiffany Cajthaml. Indoma applied for and was awarded the grant and worked closely with the students to help them prepare presentations for their peers.

“Throughout my career, I’ve wanted all students — not just those in special education — to understand autism and other disabilities,” Indoma said. “Knowledge leads to awareness, and awareness leads to acceptance.”

After learning about autism and effective communication strategies, the WEB leaders spent several weeks rehearsing their delivery using curated slide shows and materials. Over the course of eight weeks, pairs of students visited leadership classrooms across campus to share what they learned.

The student-led presentations have made a powerful impact, according to Indoma. Sixth-grade students, in particular, have engaged in open conversations, often sharing personal stories about family members with autism. Teachers have also noticed a shift in classroom culture, emphasizing empathy and the importance of “connection before correction.”

“I enjoyed learning more about autism and having the opportunity to teach other students at Pueblo,” Brandon Stawiecki, eighth-grade WEB leader, said. “I think it is important for everyone to recognize that we have a lot in common, and we should celebrate our differences. Everyone has their own strengths.”

After all the student-led presentations were completed, staff and students celebrated on Autism Awareness Day, April 2, by signing a banner pledging to be radically inclusive on their campus. The banner will hang in a highly visible location on campus to remind students of their pledge to be respectful and kind to one another.

On April 11, a group of students who were selected for essays they had written had the opportunity to join Brandon Riggs, an advocate from My Special World, for lunch at Nello's in Ahwatukee. 

Riggs created My Special World to bring happiness through the art of dancing and physical activities to encourage special needs kids to feel comfortable. He shared his personal experiences and provided students with valuable insights into the challenges and strengths associated with neurodiversity.

Pueblo’s long-term vision is to become a model campus for autism awareness, with hopes of expanding the program to other schools in the Kyrene School District.

“We’re planting seeds now,” Indoma said. “Our goal is for students to carry this awareness with them, building a more inclusive community across all of Kyrene."