BE THE FIRST STEP

Mainstreaming Children with Autism

I have the pleasure to share a success story hoping that we may serve as an example of that “everything is possible”.

In 2007, I was approached by Ms. Dahlia Soliman, Chairman of the Egyptian Society for Autism. Dahlia inquired if we had a special department at our New Horizon International School which we didn’t. Then, she asked if we would set one up. Her wish was to enroll school-aged children who attended therapeutic sessions at her esteemed association so that they may have accessibility to academics. At that time, she shared that no school in Cairo which accepted children with Autism. As an educator and wellness professional, I welcomed them and had no doubt that we would find a way to mainstream them; that is, accommodate them with our regular students but with certain provisions to ensure their comfort and safety.

Our story started when we enrolled 5 children with Autism in the kindergarten level. They were accompanied by trained shadow teachers and attended school for 4 hours daily participating in regular academic and activity classes. Today, we have accommodated 18 students with autism who are enjoying school life in a setting of 530 students, and some are already attending the full school day with no immediate dependence on their shadow teachers.

The holistic approach I relayed to parents, school staff and students was to embrace them within the school environment and to primarily develop their social skills; academic learning will follow once this is achieved. With everyone’s dedicated support, before the school year was over, major changes started happening for every child. They were happier, felt secure and integrated socially.

Some changes were made, but nothing major. For example, the disturbing tone of the school bell was replaced to a softer chime, awareness about autism was introduced to members of the school community, and programmes encouraging empathy, understanding and cooperation were developed. Tailored Programmes for children incorporating Yoga as well as Music and Colour Therapy are very useful in this regard. Also, mindfulness and meditation sessions are essential for parents of children with Autism to establish stress release and relaxation.

Not only did the children with autism flourish, but we discovered that the level of maturity, acceptance and love within our students’ hearts grew tremendously. They no longer bickered about trivial issues, showed more gratitude and most amazingly of all, they discovered the capabilities within themselves and the unique talents of their new friends. We all realized that all of us have a special need in some form or other, some have been diagnosed and labelled but others not.

After 25 years in the field of education, I pray and call for every school management in Egypt and around the world to embrace and accommodate every child, for each child brings his/ her gifts with them and truly contributes to everyone’s life experience. May humanity be blessed with this appreciation and consideration.