September 4th, 2024
Students with Autism Are Waiting for the School Bell to Ring…
As the new academic year begins, millions of students will return to school—yet hundreds of thousands of children and youth with autism, whose only proven solution is education, will not. In Türkiye, out of nearly 700,000 school-aged children with autism, only 41,854 are currently attending school. With its “Back to School” campaign, the Tohum Autism Foundation aims to change lives by helping more children with autism access education.
The Only Known Solution for Autism: Intensive and Continuous Special Education
Autism is a developmental difference that is present from birth and typically recognized within the first three years of life. Today, it affects 1 in every 36 children. As autism becomes increasingly prevalent, early diagnosis and access to quality education are more vital than ever.
Common signs of autism may include:
- Lack of eye contact
- Not responding to their name
- Delayed speech development
- Inability to point at objects of interest
- Lack of interest in peer play
- Repetitive behaviors such as rocking, flapping, tiptoe walking
- Obsessive interest in spinning objects
If families observe differences in their child’s behavior compared to peers, it is crucial to consult a child and adolescent psychiatrist who specializes in autism without delay.
For over 20 years, the Tohum Autism Foundation has been advocating for children with autism to be integrated into society through special education. With the “Back to School” campaign, the Foundation aims to ensure that more children with autism can benefit from quality education in the new school year.
Burçak Karakaya, General Manager of Tohum Autism Foundation, emphasized that children with autism still face serious barriers to accessing proper education and often have to fight for inclusion in social life. She stated that the Foundation advocates for equal rights for individuals with autism, embracing their differences.
Inclusive Education is Essential for Children with Autism to Access the Quality Education They Deserve
Karakaya highlighted the need for inclusive practices in education, saying:
“It is crucial to include children with autism in educational environments without segregation. Only those who have access to quality education can develop essential skills and eventually participate in the workforce as adults, leading more independent lives. As Tohum Autism Foundation, we continue our efforts to provide more scholarships to students at our school and to enhance educational materials and teacher training in special education classrooms under the Ministry of National Education.”
How Can You Support the Back to School Campaign?
You can make a donation to the Back to School campaign via credit card by visiting the donation section on the Tohum Autism Foundation’s website.
You can also support the campaign by purchasing the specially prepared “Back to School Gift Set” for students, helping them get ready for the academic year while contributing to the education of children with autism.
Visit the Tohum Store on www.tohumotizm.org.tr to purchase the Back to School Gift Set, or click the “Donate” button and select the Back to School Campaign to make a contribution.
Every donation helps provide essential special education to children with autism, empowering them to become active members of society.
