Linking Gaps in Autism Education: Teachers’ Perspectives and Approaches to Therapy in Pakistan

Abstract

This study was an endeavor directed at uncovering the collective opinions and perceptions of the school teachers employed in various schools of Punjab regarding Autistic Children and their plights. Autism is rapidly progressing into an egregious condition that affects a myriad of children across the country. There is a need to facilitate these children and ensure that they receive all the requisite assistance and ministrations for their social integration. The teachers of schools can be a vital and highly effective force in alleviating the predicaments and issues faced by these children. Towards that end, a qualitative study was initiated to elicit the responses of teachers from various eminent schools of Punjab. The responses were then transcribed and subjected to Thematic Analysis. The subsequent themes showed that while there was some awareness regarding Autism amongst the teachers, there was still much that needed to be done to imbue further knowledge about the condition, its causes, and repercussions. There was also a severe lack of resources and assistance from the Government’s side in this regard. It was suggested that these problems can be mitigated if the Government plays its part, and the parents play a more proactive role in the lives of their children. Training should also be organized by the School authorities and other concerned organizations to enhance awareness of autism amongst school children.