Developing a framework for parents and educators in low-income communities to enhance access to resources that educate children presenting with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

The policy for Inclusive Education in South Africa, the White Paper 6, states that all children can learn with support. Research suggests that there is a lack of access to education and resources for children with ASD living in low socio-economic communities. Education support services are under-resourced and unable to deal with the enormous number of learners with special needs. Globally, there is an appalling lack of dedicated school and learning facilities for children affected by autism. In special needs schools, children with autism are placed in classes with children with other disabilities. This is often as a result of either little understanding of their learning needs or resource constraints such as no schools close by to accommodate autistic learners.