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Thursday, January 31, 2008

Training in Autism

Training in Autism

The World Health Organisation estimates that one in every 500 people have some form of autism and there is evidence of a marked increase in cases over recent years. Demand for teachers with specialist knowledge of autistic children's educaionalneeds is there fore growing. Possible workplaces for professionals trained in working with autistic children include NGOs, early intervention programmes, remedial centers and curriculum development units.
There are already a number of places that offer courses training people to educate children with autism. These range from short courses aimed at parents, to longre courses for teachers and other professionals. The Rehabilitation Council of India (www.rehabcouncil.nic.in) has compiled a three month curriculum focusing on autism. Unfortunately, take up at some of the centres delivering the training has been low, with a centre in Hyderabnad pulling out due to lack of numbers.
The Chennai based V-Excel Educational Trust (www.v-excel.org) runs programmes focsing on autism that range from week end to two year courses. There is a buring need for professionals in the field of special education. Emploers are looking for people with uninhibited creativity, well developed thinking skills and a total commitment to the children who they are providing a service to. There is a severe dearth of teachers and institutins, and parents struggle to arrange services for their children with special needs.

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