07-05-2025
BM Education: Boosting autism support in schools nationwide
children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Block Resource Centres
Samagra Shiksha scheme
Autism Therapist
inclusive education
In a focused effort to make education more inclusive, the government is enhancing support systems for(ASD) through its(BRCs). These centres are playing a crucial role in delivering specialized therapy services and educational interventions designed to help children with ASD reach their full developmental and learning the centrally sponsored, BRCs act as dedicated hubs providing therapy-based support tailored to meet the physical, cognitive, and communicative needs of children with special needs (CwSN). These centres offer a wide range of services, including occupational therapy to improve fine motor skills and daily living abilities, physiotherapy to enhance mobility and coordination, and speech therapy to address language delays and social interaction challenges. In addition, psychological and behavioural support helps children build emotional resilience, develop social skills, and gain BRC is staffed with trained resource persons, special educators, and therapists who collaborate with parents, teachers, and caregivers to create individualised intervention plans. The centres also conduct regular screening camps, parent counselling sessions, and teacher orientation programs to ensure that every child's unique needs are addressed. Additionally, BRCs facilitate access to assistive devices, teaching aids, and other educational resources to enhance learning experiences for children with Rao, a Child Development Specialist and, praised the integration of therapy services within the school system, calling it a transformative step towardin India. 'Children with ASD often face multiple challenges ranging from communication delays and sensory processing issues to social and behavioural difficulties. By incorporating essential therapies like speech and occupational therapy into the school environment, we're not only addressing developmental delays, but we're also fostering long-term independence, confidence, and readiness for learning,' she further emphasised that the collaborative approach where educators, therapists, and parents work together ensures that interventions are consistent and tailored to each child's specific needs. Early identification and intervention are crucial, and regular counselling and awareness sessions for families and teachers reduce stigma while promoting acceptance of neurodiversity.