September 24th, 2024
As Part of the “Every Classroom a Tohum” Project, Tohum Autism Foundation Renovated Its 186th Special Education Classroom!
Tohum Autism Foundation, with the support of Arvato Logistics, has added another special education classroom to its growing initiative as part of the “Every Classroom a Tohum” project, which aims to provide access to education for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to supply public schools in need with essential educational materials.
A visit to the newly renovated special education classroom at Istanbul Pendik Öğretmen İbrahim Öztürk İlköğretim Okulu was held with the participation of representatives from Tohum Autism Foundation, Arvato Logistics, and the Pendik District Directorate of National Education.
186 Special Education Classrooms Renovated in 42 Provinces Through the “Every Classroom a Tohum” Project
Since its launch in 2009, the project has provided special education materials—including educational tools and technological equipment tailored to the needs of students—to special education classrooms in general public schools, special education practice schools, and kindergartens established by the Ministry of National Education. The project also delivers training sessions for teachers, families, all students within the school, and school administrators.
A dedicated teacher network was also established to support ongoing professional development throughout the year and to gather feedback for continuous improvement.
To date, the project has renovated 186 special education classrooms across 42 provinces, including Izmir, Mardin, Çanakkale, Sivas, Batman, Antalya, Artvin, Diyarbakır, Istanbul, Balıkesir, Muş, Van, Bursa, Ankara, Ardahan, Manisa, Şanlıurfa, Muğla, Konya, Zonguldak, Tekirdağ, Giresun, and Elazığ.
Following the earthquakes on February 6, additional support was extended to 15 special education classrooms in Adana, Adıyaman, Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, and Malatya.
The Only Known Solution for Autism: Intensive and Continuous Special Education
Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that is congenital and typically recognized in the early years of life. Today, 1 in every 36 children is diagnosed with autism. As its prevalence continues to rise, early diagnosis followed by intensive and sustained education remains the only proven approach to support the development of individuals with autism.
Common signs of autism include:
- Lack of eye contact
- Not responding to their name
- Delays in speech and communication
- Inability to point to objects to indicate interest
- Limited interest in playing with peers
- Repetitive behaviors such as rocking, flapping, or walking on tiptoes
- Obsessive interest in spinning objects
If families observe such behaviors or signs in their child, they are strongly advised to consult a child and adolescent psychiatrist specialized in autism without delay.
