Patna : The Ministry of Education in India has issued a directive to state education departments to identify children in schools who speak less and tend to keep to themselves – a move aimed at recognising students who may be on the autism spectrum and ensuring they receive appropriate support.
Under the Samagra Shiksha programme, schools will work with block resource centres to provide targeted services to these children. According to the ministry, support will include the involvement of special educators, psychologists, and medical professionals to assess and assist students.
Schools will run a series of activities to help develop motor skills in children with autism, including writing exercises, colouring, and balance-based activities like walking along a straight line. Speech therapy and behavioural counselling will also be offered to improve communication, self-confidence, and social interaction.
The initiative allows education departments to collaborate with the departments of social welfare and health. Medical professionals and psychologists will conduct screenings, while teachers will receive training in inclusive teaching methods and the use of teaching-learning materials (TLM) tailored to special needs education.
The ministry has emphasised that children with special needs should be integrated into the classroom and encouraged to participate fully in educational activities. The directive urges states to ensure that children on the autism spectrum are given the support they need to thrive academically and socially alongside their peers.
