Ministry of Education to Emphasize Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2025
Basseterre, St. Kitts – The Ministry of Education is set to place greater emphasis on autism spectrum disorder in the upcoming year 2025, taking into account an increase in the number of diagnoses in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley.
According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, the ministry is committed to lending all necessary support to students with autism spectrum disorder.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: What is it?
Autism spectrum disorder is a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication. The disorder also includes limited and repetitive patterns of behavior.
Minister’s Plan
Deputy Prime Minister Hanley reported that 306 students in St. Kitts have been diagnosed with autism, and the ministry is working to provide additional support to these students. He commended Dr. Josephine Claxton-Richardson and her team at the St. Kitts Spectrum Services Centre for their excellent work in assisting students with autism.
Training for Teachers
The minister has also secured the assistance of experts at Dalhousie University in Canada to provide additional training to teachers in St. Kitts and Nevis on techniques and strategies for dealing with autistic children. He emphasized that the ministry is committed to providing the necessary resources to support these students.
Career Opportunities in Speech and Occupational Therapy
As Minister of Education, Dr. Hanley appealed to persons in St. Kitts and Nevis to consider pursuing careers in areas of speech and occupational therapy, noting that the ministry is exploring the possibility of making scholarships available in these fields.
Sensory Rooms for Students with Autism
In June of this year, the Early Childhood Development Unit (ECDU) and the Ministry of Education opened multi-sensory rooms for students with autism spectrum disorder at four daycare centers on the island. These rooms will help children manage their sensory needs, regulate emotions, and focus on learning.
Conclusion
The Ministry of Education is committed to providing the necessary support to students with autism spectrum disorder, and we look forward to working with our partners to make a positive impact in this area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is autism spectrum disorder?
A: Autism spectrum disorder is a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication.
Q: How many students in St. Kitts have been diagnosed with autism?
A: According to Deputy Prime Minister Hanley, 306 students in St. Kitts have been diagnosed with autism.
Q: What is being done to support students with autism?
A: The Ministry of Education is providing additional support to students with autism, including training for teachers, placement of teaching assistants in schools, and exploration of scholarships for students pursuing careers in speech and occupational therapy.
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