Pilot learning programme for autism students gets under way

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21: A pilot programme designed to help children with autism learn better has been welcomed by experts in the field.

Susannah Cole, autism consultant at Bermuda Autism Support and Education (BASE) said: “We’re very enthusiastic about this pilot programme and that it’s now up and running.

“This is something that has been advocated by us for many years. There is a lot that can be done for children with autism, but it requires a lot of work.”

Ms Cole was speaking after Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith last Friday unveiled a new approach to teaching autistic children in primary schools.

Dame Jennifer said that a special classroom would be set aside and staffed by specially-trained teachers and educational therapy staff. She added that the programme, if successful, would be extended.

It is understood the pilot will be run at West Pembroke Primary School and around six autistic pupils will be the first to benefit from the trial programme.

Previously, autistic children in public sector schools were in mainstream classes, with support from teaching assistants, who may not have had specialist training in dealing with autism.

Ms Cole said that there are estimated to be at least 450 people, both children and adults, with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Bermuda — in line with research figures suggesting one in 150 people around the world have developmental problems caused by ASD.

She added: “People who work with students with autism require a lot of training, so it’s been hard to get this up and running.

“Around six children will be in the pilot programme, but there are many more in the school system that this scheme would benefit.

“Students with autism often have average to above average intelligence. It’s not just a matter of taking care of them — they need education.

“They do process information differently, but it’s still the same information — it just needs to be presented properly. Autism is not a disability, it’s a different way of living in the world and when that is accommodated, students can do quite well. It’s also a spectrum, so there has to be a range of services offered.

“There are specialist services available, but the vast majority of students are in the public school system, so we need programmes there as well.

Missing pieces

“There are still a few missing pieces, but this programme is the most effective missing piece. The Ministry of Education has done something new in consulting with outside bodies like BASE. They’ve really pulled in resources from the community on this.”

Dame Jennifer announced the programme as she delivered a report card on the state of the public education system last Friday.

She said Canadian expert Dr Avis Glaze would be visiting the island to help improve standards among teaching staff, courtesy of the Ontario Provincial Government in Canada — in line with the 2007 Hopkins review of public education.

Dame Jennifer added that a new senior human resources manager would also be recruited to help develop policies that will ensure the best and most qualified teachers in the classrooms.

Appraisals of school principals will also be up-to-date by the end of next month, in keeping with the Hopkins’ recommendation that leadership in schools should be improved.

Major reforms at the Ministry of Education have also taken place, including putting all expenditure control in the hands of the Commissioner of Education and the Ministry Permanent Secretary.

Vacant posts at the Ministry have also been reviewed to see if long-term vacant posts can be abolished altogether.

In accord with the Hopkins’ recommendation that education services should be delegated and transparent, student services staff are expected to be moved into school settings by the end of this month, while curriculum officers are now expected to spend at least 80 per cent of their time in schools.

Discipline in schools has also been addressed, with an updated code of conduct of students, while suspended students will be offered appropriate support when out of school to help them reintegrate when they return.

The Board of Education will also work more closely with Parent Teacher Associations, while parents, businesses and community groups have been encouraged to become more involved with education.