Special education requires special attention

Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Education, Chair of the Department of Special Education Asst. Prof. Dr. Cahit Nuri stated that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, distance education started to be used at all levels of education from primary school to higher education, yet, the education of children with special needs, who are disadvantaged in using communication tools, is not on the agenda.

Underlining the importance of individualized education in the field of special education, Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuri said that the development of children with special needs will be even more adversely affected if face-to-face education is put on hold due to the second wave of the pandemic and distance education practices are implemented.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuri stated that the methods applied in special education and the targeted skills are mostly aimed at improving the performance of the child to meet the needs in daily life, Nuri said, “Academic studies are also carried out according to the level and needs of the individual”.

Stating that daily life skills programs include activities such as communicating, chatting, improving language performance with questions and answers, putting on and taking off clothes, eating, and imitating, Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuri said, “These activities are the points where individual education differs from formal education. We can make progress in special children through the special education provided by the individuals who are trained in this area".

It was reminded that a child with autism spectrum disorder generally does not like changes, even the slightest change has a stimulating effect and causes great chaos in the child.

It is a very difficult process to calm autistic children and get them used to any changes, and the determined attitude of both parents and teachers in this process can correct the aforementioned behavioral disorder problem.

Nuri said that the achievement of the purpose of education and training activities in special education can be fulfilled ensuring the continuous communication in the triangle of school-teacher-parents and said, "For this reason, it is important that the content prepared by the Ministry of National Education for students, who need special education, meet the needs of students and parents".