Challenges and pathways in autism education in India: special educators insights from pandemic experiences
Autism; educational gaps; educational policies; evidence-based strategies; pandemic; special educators
Objectives: The landscape of autism education in India before the pandemic has already been unpromising, marked by inequities in education and therapy. The study aimed to highlight the impact of inadequate resources, policies, and practices in autism training during COVID-19 and to suggest measures to address inequities in access or attainability of services within the context of the experiences of special educators. Methods: We interviewed 12 special educators, exploring their virtual teaching experiences and parental participation and inferring insights on bridging gaps in autism education using a semi-structured interview guide. Results: Pre-pandemic disparities like inadequate resources, lack of policy implementation, and non-accessibility to therapy services impacted remote learning. It was disrupted by the non-availability of devices with good connectivity and limited technological skills among educators, students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and parents. The special educators and parents lacked the knowledge and skills to meet their unique needs. Skill regression, health issues, and behavior challenges were observed post-COVID. Conclusions: The study revealed that the existing challenges greatly affected education, health, and social life during the pandemic. Individuals with ASD who require very substantial support were the most affected group. It calls for immediate intervention in professional skill development, parental involvement, and policy revision. 2025 The British Society of Developmental Disabilities.
V. S, Teresa Rani; Sathiyaseelan, Anuradha; M. P. M, Pramod Kumar
International Journal of Developmental Disabilities;
Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library
https://doi.org/10.1080/20473869.2025.2534824 https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105011983200?origin=resultslist
V. S T.R., School of Education, Christ University, Bangalore, India; Sathiyaseelan A., School of Psychological Sciences, Christ University, Bangalore, India; M. P. M P.K., School of Education, Christ University, Bangalore, India