Education is a cornerstone of our society, and every child deserves the best education possible to build a solid foundation for future success. However, children on the autism spectrum are often overlooked and underrepresented concerning their educational needs. This must change. In this blog post, we will explore the challenges and obstacles that autistic children face in our public-school systems, why they need and deserve the best education, and what we can do right now to improve their educational outcomes.
The Challenges and Obstacles Faced by Autistic Children in Our Public-School Systems
Autism is defined as a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. Children on the autism spectrum often face numerous challenges and obstacles, particularly in today’s public-school systems. Here are some of the challenges they face:
- Lack of Educational Resources: Research indicates that many public schools do not have appropriate educational resources to support the unique needs of autistic students. These resources include assistive technology, therapeutic tools, and staff training programs that enable teachers to effectively teach children on the autism spectrum.
- Absence of Effective Teaching Strategies: Children on the autism spectrum have distinct learning styles, meaning that standard teaching strategies may not be effective. Unfortunately, many educators lack knowledge and skills to implement effective teaching strategies for children with Autism.
- Limited Staff Training: The lack of training is a severe issue affecting autistic students regularly. While many educators want to help, they often have little understanding of Autism and no proper intervention training.
- Limited Access to Medical and Mental Health Services: Autistic children often require medical and mental health services, but many public schools do not provide these services. Access to these services is crucial to address their mental and physical health issues, improve their quality of life and opportunities for a better future.
Why Autistic Children Need and Deserve the Best Education
Research shows that early interventions such as educational programming can have a significant impact on autistic children’s success throughout their lives. Autism is a disorder that requires specialized and individualized treatments and interventions. With proper education and support, children with autism can thrive. Furthermore, providing better educational opportunities to autistic children helps in support services to build their social and communication skills, adaptive behaviors, and emotional regulation. This leads to greater independence and improved quality of life.
Reputable Attorney and (ASD) advocate Kim Mack Rosenberg says, “Without a doubt, many school districts face challenges in financing programs, particularly programs for students with special needs, including those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, finding creative and individualized ways to teach students with ASD is critical to allowing them to reach their fullest potential. Districts need to recognize that there is no one size fits all way to teach these students and, in fact, one size fits all is a sure fire way to fail students. There are many modalities for students with ASD, such as Spelling to Communicate and other programs that literally give a voice to those who have verbal challenges and alleviate many frustrations for those who cannot otherwise express themselves.”
She further explains, “Many students with ASD are exceptionally gifted learners and curriculums must be designed to tap into this intellect rather than to assume that students who face challenges such as communication, behaviors, and social interactions cannot learn and cannot communicate – an assumption that far to many schools perpetuate. We must also approach each student with dignity and respect – making efforts to learn what motivates them and what interests them so that programs – whether they are educational or vocational – can be tailored to a student’s interests rather than trying to force students into a single track of teaching or training. Time and time again we see students who receive more individualized opportunities soaring to new heights. Every student with ASD deserves this chance. And when those learners are engaged and succeeding, we as a community benefit as well.”
What We Can Do Right Now to Improve Their Educational Outcomes
- Increase Funding: Public schools need more funding to provide adequate resources to improve educational programming and support for autistic students. School systems must allocate necessary resources and provisions to improve autistics’ educational experience in schools.
- Improve Staff Training: Educators need to be better trained about Autism and how to apply evidence-based practices to improve student outcomes. Professional development should emphasize educating teachers and staff about the various individual needs of children on the autism spectrum, teaching strategies, inclusive education, and accepting diversity.
- Offer Early Intervention Programs: Early intervention can have a significant impact on the growth and development of autistic children. School systems must offer educational programs for preschool children as early intervention with intensive research-based behavior analytic interventions known as “applied behavior analysis” to improve their growth.
- Build Stronger School Systems: Improving the experiences of autistic students in public schools requires a concerted and ongoing effort. Building strong systems with collaboration, advocacy, and partnerships with the growing autism community and other disabled communities will ensure school systems have the necessary resources and guidelines to support all children with unique needs.
Children on the autism spectrum deserve the best education possible to provide them with the essential tools they need to succeed as adults. We can address the challenges faced by these children by improving educational resources, offering effective interventions, and training teachers and staff members to improve their understanding of Autism. Let us work together to break barriers and provide the necessary resources to ensure that every child deserves an equitable, inclusive, and high-quality education.
Dr. Aaron Lewis, August 28, 2023
References:
- Autism Prevalence. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html
- Wei, X., Christiano, E. R., Yu, J. W. & Blackorby, J. (2020). Educational Placement of Children on the Autism Spectrum in the United States: A Systematic Review and Network Analysis. Review of Educational Research, 90(5), 673-731. doi: 10.3102/0034654320936874
- Dawson, G. et al. (2010). Early Behavioral Intervention Is Associated with Normalized Brain Activity in Young Children with Autism. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 49(1), 105-115. doi: 10.1097/00004583-201001000-00016
- Zainuddin, Z. (2019). Challenges Facing Teachers in Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. International Journal of Education and Practice, 7(2), 173-182. doi: 10.18488/journal.61.2019.72.173.182
About Kim Mack Rosenberg
Kim Mack Rosenberg Esq. is a leading expert and passionate advocate for the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) community. She is a litigator and the President of the National Autism Association’s New York Metro Chapter, where she previously served as Vice President and Treasurer. Along with her extensive experience in law and advocacy, she is the parent of a young adult son on the autism spectrum, giving her a unique perspective on the challenges faced by individuals and families affected by ASD.
Kim’s advocacy for the ASD community started after her son’s vaccine injury, and she has become a vocal advocate for vaccine safety and health freedom. She has testified before legislatures and frequently lectures on ASD, vaccine safety, and related legal matters. Her advocacy work includes co-founding the NAA NYM in 2008, serving on the Legal Advisory Committee for Children’s Health Defense, and co-presiding the Elizabeth Birt Center for Autism Law and Advocacy.
Kim holds a BA in Political Science from Carleton College and a JD from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, where she also served as a Law Review editor. She is the author of The Parent’s Autism Sourcebook (2015), co-author of The HPV Vaccine On Trial: Seeking Justice for a Generation Betrayed (2018), and a contributing editor and chapter author of Vaccine Epidemic (2011).
In addition to being a managing partner at Mack Rosenberg Law LLC, Kim is also the Acting General Counsel for Children’s Health Defense. She specializes in representing clients on health freedom and vaccine issues, as well as healthcare practice management and insurance coverage issues relating primarily to ASD. Her expertise, advocacy, and passion show her dedication to the ASD community and the pursuit of equal and inclusive education for all children affected by this disorder.