Autism Awareness Month: A Change For A Brighter Future With Inclusive Education And Better Career Opportunities

Every child's life revolves around education, yet children with autism frequently lack the support and education they require in a mainstream classroom.

(Representational Image)

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By Dr. Mona Lisa Bal, Chairperson, KiiT International School

As we celebrate the month of April as Autism Awareness Month, we get into the deeper meaning of autism. Autism, or autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), can be associated with difficulties in social skills, repetitive activities, speech, and nonverbal communication. There are numerous subtypes of autism rather than just one, with the majority being influenced by a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Every child's life revolves around education, yet children with autism frequently lack the support and education they require in a mainstream classroom. So, inclusive education is absolutely necessary for these children. Giving all students an equal opportunity to attend school, study, and acquire the skills they need to succeed is best accomplished via inclusive education.

Education for all with inclusive education

Autistic children have the right to be in inclusive classes. Having inclusive classrooms has several advantages, including lowering the stigma associated with autism, fostering respectful relationships among all kids, instructing all children on how to behave well around others, and raising awareness of autism. Teachers should maintain customised education, teach to a student's interests and needs, and interact with families of kids with autism to better understand the child's requirements in order to build an inclusive classroom. An inclusive classroom environment may be beneficial for all children, and many teachers already use instructional techniques that would help an autistic child. Autistic students should be included in regular classes because they have a right to education in an inclusive environment. They are also more likely to anticipate that barriers like bias, social issues, and psychological issues would prevent them from obtaining their ideal job.

Chasing dreams even with autism

Work is essential to everyone's well-being, including people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Many autistic individuals desire to work, but companies typically lack the skills necessary to adopt and manage an inclusive workforce. With the evolution of time, society's perspective on how companies may successfully hire and integrate people with autism into their workplaces has changed. This has led to increased public understanding that people with autism can be useful, productive workers in many industries. Several businesses and organizations perceive autistic people as useful resources. Yet, it's about identifying each person's talent and encouraging their attempts to succeed, just like it is with anybody else.

Overcoming hurdles in their career

People with ASD may find it difficult to develop time management and organisation skills. Employment may also be an inescapably social workplace, with its own underlying rules and practises that can be challenging to manage for anyone, especially those struggling with ASD. Yet, many individuals with autism may work well if given the right assistance and training. Individuals with ASD are able to obtain jobs, modify their surroundings to their strengths, and acquire the skills and tactics required to succeed in the workplace while having autism.

With the right support and training, many people with autism may thrive in their occupations. If employees get into a routine with regular tasks and clear instructions, they have a far higher chance of succeeding. This can be a part of a larger plan for designing one's job to play to one's strengths, which may involve discussing it with potential employers and working together to find the right balance in terms of expectations and communication style.

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