The Spectrum Club at South Kitsap High School is breaking down barriers so students with autism can feel more at home at school.

The club’s impact is growing. Members have started to feel more connected, and neurotypical students are becoming more aware of autism and how to support their peers. That kind of awareness is central to the club’s mission to break down stereotypes and foster inclusivity.

“Autism is often misunderstood, which can lead to isolation,” club coordinator and special education teacher Hana Fidecaro said. “Our students are working to change that by being visible and educating others.”

The club has set ambitious goals, including school-wide autism awareness initiatives for April’s Autism Awareness Month and participating in the school’s Youth Rally in March. Additionally, the club is planning fundraisers to purchase sensory tools, social-emotional games and other resources that will benefit members but special education students at the school.

“We want to equip all teachers with resources that help students feel comfortable in any classroom,” Fidecaro said. “It’s about removing barriers so everyone can thrive, regardless of their diagnosis.”

The club meets monthly and provides a welcoming environment for students with autism to engage in social activities, share experiences and support one another. Each meeting is centered around building friendships and navigating the challenges that come with autism, especially the social and sensory aspects. The club organizes activities and encourages members to join school events, sometimes as a group, to ease the socialization process.

“We try to have social support built in so students don’t have to navigate everything alone,” Fidecaro said.

In addition to monthly gatherings, the club also plans low-sensory events before major school activities like Homecoming, providing a more comfortable experience for students sensitive to loud sounds and crowded environments. Club members are involved in planning the events, ensuring they are designed with their needs in mind. “They’re given the chance to say what works best for them, which makes a huge difference,” Fidecaro said.

The club also seeks to empower its members to be confident in who they are and to feel comfortable advocating for their needs. Fidecaro emphasized the importance of helping students understand and accept their diagnoses.

“A lot of our conversations focus on what it’s like to be a teenager with autism, or how to communicate needs to teachers who may not fully understand or have special education training,” she said. “These discussions give students practical steps to speak up for themselves in general education classes.”

The club began after a heartfelt request from a newly transferred junior, a military-dependent student who had moved frequently and was eager to build connections at a school. Inspired by his openness about his autism and his desire to find a place of belonging, Fidecaro worked with him to establish the Spectrum Club.

“It’s like his parting gift,” Fidecaro said. “He wanted to give back to ‘his people’ and make this school a better place.”

Fidecaro encourages other students, parents, and community members to get involved by taking the time to learn about autism beyond stereotypes.

“People with autism just communicate and socialize differently,” she said. “If we all learn the facts and make an effort to understand, we can start breaking down these misconceptions.”