Developmental disabilities are highly prevalent in the young population of India where 10 million children have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism affects 1 in every 65 children born today as per the International Clinical Epidemiology Network's survey in 2014.
Years after the social movements argued for equal rights for people with disabilities, the Mumbai University is about to establish a B.Ed course for autism. Health experts and the autism forum have welcomed the move, because for a long time, there was a demand for specialised teachers for the autism-challenged, but there was no formal course to train them.
Dr Varsha Gathoo, Board of Studies in Special Education, said, "The Mumbai University has been providing the B Ed courses in Special Education since 1986. The University has been providing B Ed courses in learning disability, hearing impairment and mental retardation. But this year it has given approval to a B.Ed course in Autism, which will be of two years and will have four semesters. "
Developmental disabilities are highly prevalent in the young population of India where 10 million children have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism affects 1 in every 65 children born today as per the International Clinical Epidemiology Network's survey in 2014.
Dr Samir Dalwai, President elect, Indian Association of Paediatrics and developmental paediatrician, said, "It is a welcome move. While the diagnosis and early intervention below three years of age needs to be carried out by the medical and paramedical people, there is a need to have trained teachers to handle the educational aspect. This course will fill the gap."
A child with ASD shows problems in communication (eg not speaking at all or lacking the ability to communicate back and forth), non-verbal expression (eg not understanding or using gestures, having blank facial expressions), developing and maintaining relationships (eg difficulties in physically expressing affection or in making friends) and problems due to restricted and repetitive behaviour (eg lining up of toys or flipping objects).
Parul Kumtha, President, Forum for Autism, said, "The percentage of children having autism is 1 in 68. So, definitely, there is a need of skilled teachers for autistic children. The University should have started the course earlier, but better late then never. Autistic children, nowadays, are also going in for mainstream education and mainstream jobs."
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