On the eve of World Autism Day, parents say State support is essential, as are life skills.
“At present, State support for special education is marginal. Ideally, it should be an integral part of mainstream education, with adequate State funding,” says M. Ravichandran, advisor to the North Chennai Special Parent’s Association.
“Teaching children with autism to make decisions and handle money, for instance, are crucial skills,” says Mr. Ravichandran.
“My goal is not for my son to excel in academics. What is the point if he cannot speak to someone in a social situation?” says another parent.
“Society and parents’ desire to enrol their children in a regular school gets in the way of helping the child. Teaching a child how to make a meal, do laundry or take care of himself is important. But often, this is lost in trying to get them through school. But what happens after school,” asks Gita Srikanth, head, We Can, a resource centre for autism spectrum disorder.
“There are so many children who have finished class X or XII exams but are still at home, not doing anything the whole day. Parents have to find ways to keep them engaged productively. This may be something that generates very little or no money, or it may just be a hobby. Because the big question is, who will take care of the child once the parents are gone,” she says.
