Early education strategy for autistic children

AN EARLY intervention programme for children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) will assist in the transition of home and centre-based to preschool or mainstream school programmes.

According to the President of Learning Ladder Society (LLS), a support organisation that deals with autism-related issues, one such intervention which focuses on both child and parent is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA); a strategy practised at LLS.

ABA, said Dr Sharina Yunus, aims to reduce self-stimulation and aggression and to develop 'compliance' with commands, imitation and play.

It also focuses on expressive language and interactive play. Emotional expression, pre-academic skills and observational learning are also dealt with.

The programme features special play camp which is conducted twice a week. Some of the activities include imaginative play, group singing, fine motor activity, co-operative games and baking. "These activities ensure that the child learns the holistic way," said Dr Sharina.

ABA, which is home-based, will reap positive outcomes when parents are heavily-involved, according to the president. Values, understanding, knowledge and skills taught can be effective if the family play their part.

"It will enable their (autistic children) full participation in their community; it is the gateway to full social inclusion. That is why every civilised society gives all its citizens the entitlement to education."

The programmes provided at the LLS have proven effective, she added.

Speaking to The Brunei Times after delivering her paper at the second national seminar and workshop on special education held at Universiti Brunei Darussalam, yesterday, the LLS president said language used is not the primary factor in the deliverance of education to children with ASD. What matters most, she added, is the strategies used to communicate with the children effectively.

At the LLS, the instructional language used is English.

"There are pre-vocational teachers who came to us telling that it's easier to use English language to teach the children with ASD," said Norhaslinda Ibrahim, the organisation's vice-president.

"Should the children be exposed to Malay words at home, they will learn that the words would provide the same meanings as English words to describe an action," Norhaslinda pointed out.

"The same case happens should Malay language is used as instructional language in the first place."

"Speech is not the only form of communication," she added.

Currently, there are 16 autistic children in the programme whilst a few other children are still in a waiting list.

Dr Sharina expressed her dismay for those who are in a waiting list.

"This is due to lack of trained therapists," she said. "We lack funds to support them."

The organisation is seeking the Special Education Unit at the Ministry of Education for assistance in their quests for education for all children with ASD.

"With the unit's assistance, we can provide training to teachers who have autistic children as their students in class."

The Brunei Times