Running Education & Training Program
Educating children with autism is a challenge for both parents and teachers. These children are individuals first and foremost with unique strengths and weaknesses. Some may be of average to above-average intelligence, while others may be below average. Academic goals need to be tailored to that individual’s intellectual ability and functioning level. Understanding this reality, AWF started an education and training center named “Kanon”. The aim of this school is to provide a safe and secure learning environment for students with autistic spectrum disorders. In order to provide a high-quality and relevant education for children and young adults with autism, a combined program including education and training has been introduced. AWF has its own course and curriculum to provide education of these autistic children. An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is prepared on the basis of functional assessments. Currently, the School has Eleven sections in which around 138 children aged 3 – 15 are placed in two shifts (morning & day) depending on their abilities, needs, and chronological age. In the early years the emphasis is on developing communication, as well as building basic interaction skills, pre-reading and writing skills and concept building. Concepts are taught in one-on-one sessions, while group activities are used to develop social skills. Alongside, the child’s abilities to work independently and interpret instructions in a general environment are developed and strengthened. Gradually, the children learn independent work behaviors that enable them to learn vocational skills. Children, who are ready, move on to mainstream classrooms. The school combines group activities and one-on-one teaching, as well as music therapy, computer and sensory integration.
A total of 57 teachers, 1 psychologist, and 1 occupational therapist are engaged in conducting the education courses through the education center where 138 autistic children are enrolling every year. As the education program is highly structured, the teacher, student ratio is 1:1.
AWF is also running two pre-normal class called “Nayantara” & “Malati” where the students are taught national course curriculum, aiming to enroll them in normal school. A total of 14 students have already been admitted to normal school in last 4 years and this year 2 students are ready to go.
Table 02: Number of Students & Teachers in AWF
Year Shift Number of Students Number of Teachers
2004 Morning 44 23
2005 Morning 58 34
2006 Morning 60 45
Day 50
2007 Morning 61 52
Day 54
2008 Morning 63 57
Day 60
Vocational 3