Why we need the special education?
Special education is specially designed instruction (SDI), at no cost to the parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. It can include instruction conducted in the classroom, in the home, in hospitals and institutions, and in other settings, and instruction in physical education. Special education may include speech-language pathology services, occupational therapy, physical therapy or any other related service, travel training, and vocational education.
Autism is a developmental disorder that can underlie behavioral and communicative issues. Special education teachers who specialize in autism help affected students adapt and learn. Read on to discover more about this teaching career.
Autism is a disorder in a group of developmental conditions called autism spectrum disorders. It can produce major difficulties related to behavior, socialization and communication. Effective autism teachers are skilled in communicative and behavioral techniques and are sensitive to the various challenges experienced by students.
Autism specialists need an advanced degree, while public school special education teachers are required to have at least a bachelor's degree, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Those interested in teaching special education in public schools must complete a teacher training program, including student teaching (www.bls.gov).
Additionally, many states require a master's degree or further specialization in special education. Autism specialty programs at the graduate level are typically offered as a concentration within a master's degree program or as a graduate certificate program. Topics usually include positive behavior encouragement, assistive learning, collaboration and socialization. Student teaching is another component of an autism degree program.