Initiatives for the Education of Autistics

Autism is a developmental disorder of brain in which social and communication skills and sometimes motor and language skills are affected too. Those with high functioning autism may possess a normal or high IQ but they may not be able to attend the regular schools since they have problem in expressing themselves and lack social intelligence. On the other hand there are children who may have not develop speech or might exhibit unusual speech pattern.

So, chalking out a comprehensive education programme for Autistics can be a challenging task as each individual’s needs vary in case of this disorder. But there are certain basic needs which should be provided in the environment around them. These needs are:

• A physical space which can provide them a sense of safety and less noise
• An emotional space where they can build relationships according their special interests
• A social space where they can contribute towards the society
• An exploration space where they can move around freely without being judged or harmed

The incidence of this disorder has been on rise since 1980’s. The figures are as high as 60 per 10,000. It was 1 in 2000 in U.S.A 30 years back but there has been an exponential rise in its occurrence at present. It is almost 4 times more common than Cerebral Palsy. In India too, there has been a sharp increase in the number of cases being reported. According to an estimate, over 20 lakh people are living with autism in India. WHO puts the global prevalence at 1 in 500.
 
Indian Government Initiatives

The Government of India has a tremendous task of rehabilitating the children suffering from Autism. The education of these children is the public responsibility and all the programmes need to be initiated in consonance with the National Education Policy.
 
The National Trust Act covers the children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
The right to education is granted to them. This Act focuses on the guardianship too. At present the responsibility of providing education is mostly borne by the NGO’s. Various models are being tried for the successful provision of education to these children. Special Schools have been set up at different places and some models facilitate ‘Inclusive education’ for the autistic children. Parents have also tried “Home Based Instructional Unit” at many places. Schedules based on picture activity, trial training, sensory integration and structured environment prove useful while educating these children.

Rehabilitation Council of India offers a Diploma in Special Education (Autism Spectrum Disorders). But teaching children with Autism is a challenging task and needs special training. The therapists and special educators with adequate training can help these children by teaching them social skills rather than bookish knowledge. Special educators make them feel comfortable even when they find it difficult to grasp the lessons due to their inability to express themselves. Autistic children are just assisted to apply their skills since they may be able to understand the concepts easily.
 
National Trust Act formed for welfare of persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation & Multiple Disabilities, has brought out a handbook on ‘Inclusive Education’. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) also has made specific amendments in the examination bylaws since nothing is mentioned in the Person with Disability Act about the Autistic children.

There is a long way to go and adequate intervention programmes are needed to be devised and implemented for these children. Children suffering from this disorder can excel if right guidance and proper care is provided.  What all they need is appropriate educational opportunities through the development of schools, inclusion and vocational programs, consumer advocacy and community outreach. The effective educational programmes for them should include a ‘minimum of 25 hours a week’ and ‘a sufficient individualized attention’.