Autism Acceptance Month: Education Ministry supports students with autism towards academic success

Highlighting the efforts of the Education Ministry during Autism Acceptance Month, Assistant Chief Education Officer Keon Cheong has affirmed the ministry’s commitment to assisting children with autism in achieving their academic goals.
Emphasising the importance of behaviour management therapy, a resource that remains scarce in Guyana and beyond, Cheong acknowledges the unique challenges posed by autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including difficulties in social communication and repetitive behaviours.
In a recent interview on the Disability and You programme, Cheong stressed the importance of parental support networks in guiding children with autism through their educational journey.
In encouraging parents to be advocates for their children and to collaborate with education authorities,
Cheong has underscored the Education Ministry’s commitment to supporting families of children with autism, and has invited them to collaborate with the ministry in finding solutions collectively. There is a shortage of professional skills in behaviour management therapy, but efforts are underway to address this gap comprehensively, Cheong has noted.

Meanwhile, the Government’s strategy has been tailored to support educational and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, which could evolve into specialized educational paths, vocational training suited to diverse abilities, and collaborations with businesses to foster inclusive employment opportunities.
Further, supporting families and caregivers is crucial, given their vital role in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Providing access to mental health services, financial aid, counselling, and respite care are key components of a holistic support system.
Additionally, the Education Ministry continues to lay the groundwork through aquatic therapy and access to a sensory room being available for children living with disabilities at the Regional Special Education Needs/ Disability Diagnostic and Treatment Centre. These additional services will complement the existing services offered at the facility, located at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara.
Current services at the Centre include speech therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychosocial support, early stimulation, and psycho-education evaluations, leading to individual education plans (IEP).
Referrals to the Centre come from various sources, such as hospitals, doctors, schools, NGOs, and walk-ins. To further enhance support for children with learning challenges, the Centre plans to equip teachers with tools for identification and intervention. Furthermore, the Centre conducts outreaches to different regions to assess students in schools and address challenges hindering academic performance.
This year’s World Autism Awareness Day focuses on ‘Empowering Autistic Voices’, striving to enhance support and empowerment for individuals living with autism. As Autism Acceptance Month progresses, the Education Ministry continues its mission of fostering inclusivity and providing essential resources for students with autism. By working collaboratively with families and prioritizing support services, the ministry aims to cultivate a more nurturing and inclusive educational environment for all students.