Understanding Peer-Mediated Interventions, An Evidence-based Practice

A young boy and girl in classroom are looking at book together. They are each pointing at different places on a page.

Event Details

Date/Time/Location

Tuesday, March 25, 2025
4:30 – 5:30PM
Zoom

Training Description

Ever wish you had a classroom full of peer mentors who could help students with autism shine in social situations, work together, and maybe even teach you a few tricks along the way? Well, that’s exactly what peer-mediated interventions (PMIs) are all about! Join us for an hour of exploring how peers can become the unsung heroes in helping students with autism master social skills, communication, and even academics. You’ll learn about research-backed strategies that show how a simple “buddy system” or a little peer-to-peer modeling can make a huge difference for students with autism (and can even boost the social and leadership skills of the peer mentors, too!). We’ll cover practical tips, real-life examples, and yes—how to tackle those “what happens when things don’t go as planned” moments. So, whether you’re a seasoned teacher looking for fresh ideas or just hoping to add a little more peer magic to your classroom, this session will leave you with tools, strategies, and the confidence to make peer-mediated interventions work in your setting. Get ready to see how a little help from friends can create lasting change!

Training Objectives

1. Define Peer-Mediated Interventions (PMIs)
Participants will be able to define peer-mediated interventions and explain how these strategies utilize peer mentors to support students with autism.
2. Identify the Benefits of PMIs for Students with Autism and Their Peers
Participants will understand the research-backed benefits of PMIs, including improvements in social, communication, and academic skills for students with autism, as well as the positive impact on peer mentors.
3. Explore Different Types of Peer-Mediated Interventions
Participants will identify and describe various types of peer-mediated interventions, including peer buddy systems, peer tutoring, social modeling, and small group interventions.
4. Learn Strategies for Implementing PMIs in the Classroom
Participants will gain practical knowledge and strategies for integrating PMIs into their own classroom environments, including selecting and training peer partners, structuring activities, and setting up peer support systems.

Target Audience

School Personnel

About the Presenter

Meg Lietzau, Ph.D.
Education/Training Specialist III
University of Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UF CARD)

Hello, I’m Meg! It’s lovely to meet you. I am an Education and Training Specialist at the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at UF, Gainesville. I have a Ph.D. in criminology and justice studies, master’s degrees in the fields of philosophy and psychology, and bachelor’s degrees in print communications and English literature. My academic interests include victimization of vulnerable populations, autism education and training for legal professionals, and access to the justice system for individuals on the spectrum. I love helping individuals, families, and our communities find creative solutions to challenges they may be facing. If you need support from CARD or find yourself looking for a resource, I hope you reach out. I am already looking forward to getting to know you!

Accommodations

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. To request accommodations or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Dr. Danielle Liso at 352-265-2241 or card-training@ufl.edu.

Contact

Danielle Liso
card-training@ufl.edu
352-265-2241