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As a parent, you want the best for your children. This starts with their education.
The dilemma of whether to integrate the child in the framework of regular education or in the framework of special education employs many parents of children with autism. Some of the questions deal with the degree of the child’s suitability for integration in the normal framework: Is the child ready for integration? What are the essential skills for a child on the spectrum in order to be able to integrate into the regular education system? At what age is it right to start the integration process? And in what setting will the child feel better? Further dilemmas of the parents are related to the differences between the regular education framework and the special education framework, how the framework is conducted and what are the rights and treatments to which the child is entitled in each of the frameworks. The top schools across the country almost always offer support for special needs, but as a parent, the decision is yours.
Integration or special education? This is the question..
There are a number of advantages and disadvantages to each of the educational frameworks for children with autism, although everything is in the eye of the beholder. What is considered an advantage for one family can be a disadvantage for another family.
Some parents see the following benefits in special education:
- The special education framework is adapted for children with disabilities and includes professionals with knowledge and/or experience working with the children. The agenda, the content taught and the teaching methods are adapted to children with disabilities and their needs.
- The special education framework provides an extensive basket of treatments to which the child is entitled by virtue of the disability.
- The staff members in the special education envelop the child but also the parents, both in terms of emotional support and ending with providing a professional answer to questions and dilemmas related to the child.
Alternatively, other parents see the benefits of integration in regular education:
- The regular framework allows the child exposure to a variety of examples of relationships and social situations and, as a result, a greater number of opportunities for social-communication experiences with colleagues.
- The child is exposed to a variety of content, skills and abilities at a high level and adapted to his age and is a springboard for learning and development.
- As part of the integration, the child is entitled to be accompanied by an individual integrator and to adjust an individual educational program, as support for the integration process.
- Integration into the regular framework allows parents to be more involved in the processes of selection, decision making and information regarding the care of the child.
Finding a suitable framework for the child’s integration is important because their growth should not be hindered. It is advisable to make visits to potential educational frameworks for an initial impression and selection of the most appropriate framework for the child’s integration, and in addition to hold preliminary meetings so that you can make informed decisions to help everyone.
