World Autism Awareness Day: a dialogue from diversity
World Autism Awareness Day is an extremely important date in the educational field, as it gives us the opportunity to reflect on the inclusion, respect and understanding of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
From the educational field, it is essential to recognize that autism is not a limitation, but rather a unique way of being and perceiving the world; Each student with ASD has different abilities, interests and potentials, which deserve to be recognized and valued in the academic field.
In this sense, education plays an important role in raising awareness and understanding of autism in society; Ana Cristina Arteaga, professor at the University of Azuay, points out that education at all levels is the true platform for people to understand and learn about human diversities.
It also mentions that from the educational field, work must be done so that society learns about the characteristics of a person with autism spectrum disorder, and from that, breaking barriers and myths that exist in relation to this population group.
Regarding support within institutions for people with ASD, Arteaga mentions that new support strategies are being implemented such as the Teacch method, one of the scientifically validated methodologies that favors the establishment of routines, adaptive behavior, stability and even the organization of activities for people with this condition.
The ABA method has also favored the development of new behavioral skills; Finally, it is important to emphasize that autism generates a specific need in terms of communication and therefore another of the strategies that are implemented through technology are alternative systems that favor these people in any of the environments they operate in.
World Autism Awareness Day reminds us that inclusion is not only a responsibility, but also a fundamental right of every individual.
In education, we are committed to creating an environment where all students, regardless of their differences, have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive together in community.
