School Readiness program for preparing Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for Mainstream School: A case study

Arpaita Datta; Pranabesh Bhunia; Chandrani Chakraborty; Indrani Basu; Mitu De

doi:10.31632/ijalsr.2023.v06i01.002

Arpaita Datta Autism Society West Bengal (ASWB), 29/1 Stadium Colony, Mukundapur, Kolkata 700099, India.
Pranabesh Bhunia Autism Society West Bengal (ASWB), 29/1 Stadium Colony, Mukundapur, Kolkata 700099, India
Chandrani Chakraborty Autism Society West Bengal (ASWB), 29/1 Stadium Colony, Mukundapur, Kolkata 700099, India
Indrani Basu Autism Society West Bengal (ASWB), 29/1 Stadium Colony, Mukundapur, Kolkata 700099, India
Mitu De Autism Society West Bengal (ASWB), 29/1 Stadium Colony, Mukundapur, Kolkata 700099, India; & Department of Botany, Gurudas College, Kolkata 700054, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0757-2381

DOI https://doi.org/10.31632/ijalsr.2023.v06i01.002

Abstract

School is a social environment where there are many unwritten rules. All students are expected to abide by those rules and regulations. But for children with autism, it becomes quite difficult to navigate the social environment in a mainstream school. Often it leads to students dropping out. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neuro-developmental disability in which the core impairments are in the language, communication, and reciprocal social interaction. Recent research has shown that the neuroplasticity of the human brain is quite high during the first five years of life. So with intense intervention, it is possible to change the trajectories of development in a child. The child is taught how to behave in different social situations found in a mainstream school. Autism Society West Bengal ASWB runs a School Readiness program that provides intervention for young children where they are taught in a way that they understand. This program often leads to the child being accepted into a mainstream school. They need not start their education in a special school. In this case study different aspects and outcomes of the School Readiness program will be discussed.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD),, Early intervention,, mainstream school,, Neuro-plasticity,, School Readiness.

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