Sankalp, Madras University tie up to offer course in autism

Chennai: In a first-of-its kind move, Sankalp, a city-based special school catering to children with learning disability, dyslexia and autism, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Counselling Psychology, University of Madras to offer a 3-month certificate course in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and learning disabilities. It would start in the first week of August.

The courses are tailored to suit teachers handling students in an inclusive classroom. “Many children approaching special schools have the potential to cope up and study in mainstream schools, if the teachers are trained to handle a mixed class. But, often the educators are under stress and find it difficult to find the balance between having to complete syllabus and dealing with the problems of a multi-ability class,” said Sulata Ajit, Founder, Sankalp,

She further added that there are two courses - for children with learning disabilities and autism. First the teachers would be introduced to the disability and later taught the strategies of teaching followed by remedial techniques and inclusion. “The courses will help identify, strategise and cope with behaviour management both inside and outside the classroom,” she said.

Theory classes will be held on Saturday mornings at the University of Madras, so that it suits working professionals, with practical classes once a week in the mornings for two hours at Sankalp.

Members of Sankalp said this would increase the authenticity of courses at Sankalp, would provide more job opportunities for educators as they can work in both special and mainstream school or even take one on home tuition. This would also bate the issue of scarcity of special educators.

Graduates, postgraduates, special educators and parents of children with special needs are eligible for the course. They will have to attend two papers in theory and one practical exam by the end of the course to get a certificate from Madras University.