School Readiness program for preparing Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for Mainstream School: A case study

Abstract

School is a social environment where there are many unwritten rules. All students are expected to abide by those rules and regulations. But for children with autism, it becomes quite difficult to navigate the social environment in a mainstream school. Often it leads to students dropping out. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neuro-developmental disability in which the core impairments are in the language, communication, and reciprocal social interaction. Recent research has shown that the neuroplasticity of the human brain is quite high during the first five years of life. So with intense intervention, it is possible to change the trajectories of development in a child. The child is taught how to behave in different social situations found in a mainstream school. Autism Society West Bengal ASWB runs a School Readiness program that provides intervention for young children where they are taught in a way that they understand. This program often leads to the child being accepted into a mainstream school. They need not start their education in a special school. In this case study different aspects and outcomes of the School Readiness program will be discussed.