( Everyday Life with Autism )

The ultimate goal in special education is to help as many children as possible to get to the appropriate level of mainstream education. By mainstream, we mean a regular education class for typically developed children. The average number of kids in lower grade (kindergarten, first, second and third grade) is about twenty kids, and some thirty kids in upper grades (fourth and fifth grade). On the other hand, in SDC (Special Day Class) the number of children ranges between eight and fourteen depending on the type of program and children’s needs.

Almost all parents push for mainstreaming their children the soonest possible and for as many subjects as possible.

Is mainstream appropriate for every child with special needs? Parents will be able to answer the question at the end of this post.

The level and the readiness of the child is the decisive factor. Children on the ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) map vary from very mild to mild, moderate, severe and profound.

DEAR PARENTS: It is in the child’s best interest, to consider mainstream in a realistic way. But it is normal that you think about exposing your child to the mainstream or typical environment. Ask yourself: can my child handle the mainstream environment with all its complexity. If yes, know that the entire education system will support you to get your child there, where you want her/him to be. We are all working together. The children’s future remains everybody’s concern.

The following are some real cases of mainstreaming. Some cases are success stories, some cases turned out somewhat successful, other cases were complete failure.

Which category does your child belong to?

Tags: asperger's syndrome, autism, communication, mainstream, parenting