Inclusion for autistic pupils at school is one of the best ways to socialize special children and realize their right to education. Now the law № 2541-VIII is in force in Ukraine. It regulates access to education for children with special needs at kindergartens, schools, as well as out-of-school and other educational institutions.
The main problem that does not allow fully integrating autistic children into the educational process is the lack of tutors (assistants for the child). After all, it is not enough to have a teacher’s assistant to teach such pupils in the classroom, as he will not be able to pay proper attention to a special child and knows almost nothing about his features. One of the reasons for the lack of qualified personnel is underfunding, i.e., low teachers’ salaries, as well as a lack of necessary education. However, according to the Ministry of Education and Science, the professional development program for junior school staff includes an additional module about working with children with special educational needs in 2020.
Special child’s integration into the educational process
The integration of a special child into the learning process may vary. Inclusion for autistic pupils at school may look like a partial stay (i.e., only at some lessons) or full inclusion at a regular class. Also, a school may have a separate class for pupils with special educational needs.
Inclusive or special classes have been established on an application from the child’s parents and the inclusive resource center’s conclusion today.
Working with all children and their parents is also an important step in creating a foundation for educating autistic children. It is necessary not only to introduce them to the concept of ‘autism’ but also to tell how it manifests itself individually in the pupil(s) who will study with their children. All of this will contribute not only to the formation of tolerant attitudes towards autism but will also prevent most likely negative reactions.