Work in the field of autism is considered as one of the most difficult jobs in the world. There’s a saying in the world of autism that, “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism” and Higashi Autism School (HAS) in Delhi has capacity for 100.
I have been fortunate enough to experience the world of autistics both as an HR professional and a Yoga Therapist from none but the best in field Dr. Rashmi Das, Chairperson & founder Higashi Autism School (HAS), Delhi. Being an autism mom herself, Rashmi’s commitment is awe-inspiring. She is one of the most known and active autistic advocates of India who has worked tirelessly to bring the lived experience of autistics to the wider world. It is only after her efforts that the world-class “Higashi Autism School” (HAS) is now in Delhi after Tokyo and Boston. This state of art school pioneer “Daily life therapy” a method to educate autistic students that prepares special students to claim their dignity and self-esteem, and to become fully integrated as valued members of their families and societies.
The transition to school is particularly a significant time for children with disabilities especially for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As children start their academic journeys the combination of new routines, meeting new people, forming friendships, adapting to classroom structure, changes in environment and learning can all present an overwhelming experience. I was extremely delighted to experience HAS Delhi facility, their curriculum structure and faculties.
I haven’t experienced such amenities in any educational institution for special children so far. They are also building the ‘Digital Skills’ department where children will be taught spontaneous usage of digital tools for learning, reading and writing. My most favourite part of the facility is the ‘Occupational Therapy’ room. In autism due to neurological constraints, motor programmes have to be taught. Motor programmes become an important part of the procedural memory of the autistic child to navigate daily life. For autistic children, an occupational therapist works to develop skills for fine motor skills, handwriting, and daily living skills. However, the most essential role is also to assess and target the child’s sensory processing differences. HIGASHI, Delhi has the best Occupational Therapy facilities. I am told it’s at par with their Boston facility. Moreover, HIGASHI’s faculty is not only exceptional at their job but also compassionate, kind and hardworking which are prerequisites for anyone working in this field. Their faculty comprises of Special Educators, Sports Trainers, Occupational Therapists, Speech & Language Therapists & many support teachers and experts. I always end up learning from each one of them.
HIGASHI has state of art dining facilities where only healthy, nutritious and freshly cooked meals are prepared for both students and teachers. The feeding concern most commonly observed in children with autism is food selectivity, or eating a limited variety of foods. This most often involves preference for starches, snack foods – mostly processed foods and more frequent rejection of fruits and vegetables. HAS chooses to not opt for an easy way-out. There is continuous effort that goes on to ensure that children develop healthy eating habits.
For people on the autism spectrum, the world is a bewildering place. With oversensitive sensory systems, they battle to process the maelstrom of information flowing into their brains. Often the result is sensory overload, leading to signature behaviours such as tantrums, anxiety and social withdrawal. I am happy that now we have Higashi Autism School in Delhi that has a team of experts who actively seek ways to break down the socially imposed barriers towards their learning abilities rather has filled them with access to education that had been previously limited or denied.
I am sharing some pictures of Higashi, Delhi and the link to it’s website. Please share it at large so it reaches who need the most!
PS: Students pics not been used for privacy reasons. I will be writing separately on the Faculty & it’s amazing strengths. Watch this space.
Add Comment