Government to bring special programme for children with autism

KATHMANDU, Sep 16: The government has prepared a special programme for children diagnosed with autism. Speaking at a program held in Kathmandu on Saturday, Suresh Adhikari the Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, said that the government has directed its attention to this problem.

Adhikari said that the Education Bill which was submitted to the Parliament has also included an inclusive programme on education. He pointed out that children diagnosed with autism need to be provided with special care and treatment in classrooms.

He also added that the examination system is in dire need of improvement as the examination procedure for everyone, including those with disorders, is the same. Secretary Adhikari said that the subject of an inclusive education system, in the case of people with different abilities and skills, will be included in the 16th plan.

"Autism disorder has been a big problem in the society. And it also very agonising. I also feel that something needs to be done through the reform of policy, legal, behavioural and teaching methods for this problem", said Adhikari, "We understand that if we adopt the same style of teaching and studying with the students with autism as others, it will not be successful. They [autistic people] have special skills and abilities. They can do something. However, we have to create a suitable environment."

Adhikari added that their abilities and skills can only be developed and utilised if there is a special kind of environment for them. "It's not enough for our policy to be inclusive. It's not enough for our constitution to say we have quality education. It is necessary to transform it in practice," he said, "It is necessary to make practical improvements. We should also pay attention to schools, classrooms and the learning environment."

He mentioned that a special type of education is also included in the Education Bill and said that a special type of education is going to be included in the law for the first time. Adhikari said that the government will create a suitable environment to develop the special skills and abilities of those diagnosed with autism. It is important to note that 'autism' is a special type of disorder that a child is born with.