Education Ministry opposes autism-specific school plan in Southern Governorate

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Inclusion trumps separation, says the Education Ministry, as it opposes a proposal to establish a dedicated school for autism patients in the Southern Governorate, arguing it contradicts national integration policies. In a statement to Parliament, the Ministry said it has been working to bring children with mild autism and Asperger’s Syndrome into public schools.

It noted that, by last year, 23 schools had programmes designed for these students, with 13 more schools set to follow this year. Officials argued that setting up a separate school would isolate children with autism instead of encouraging them to mix with their peers.

Support

The Ministry says it already offers special support, such as trained staff, adapted classrooms, and extra time during exams, to help these students succeed in regular schools. The proposal, submitted by MP Dr Ali Al Nuaimi, calls for a dedicated school for children with severe autism who struggle to adapt to public schools.

Supporters of the plan say these children need a safe and tailored environment to thrive. The Services Committee, led then by MP Mamdouh Al Saleh, has backed the proposal, saying it addresses a gap in the current system. The committee argues that while public schools are making progress, some children need a different setting that public schools cannot offer.

In its report, the committee recognised the Ministry’s efforts to support children with mild autism but insisted that a specialist school is necessary for those with more complex needs. The report stated: “The proposal to establish a comprehensive school for autism patients aims to meet the needs of children who cannot adapt to mainstream schools by providing a safe, supervised environment and specialised educational programmes.”

Attempts to get input from the Bahrain Autistic Society went unanswered, and the Ministry of Social Development declined to comment, saying it doesn’t have authority over schools. The Ministry has stuck to its stance that inclusion is the best way forward for most children with autism.

Specialised classrooms are already in place for children aged 6 to 12 who can cope in mainstream schools. The statement highlighted that steps have been taken to make schools more accessible, including training teachers and adjusting learning environments

Social skills

They also stressed that helping these children study alongside their peers builds social skills and prepares them for life in the wider community. However, the Ministry opposes creating a separate school, warning it could undo years of progress in helping children with autism feel part of society.

The proposal will go to Parliament on Tuesday, where MPs will decide whether Bahrain should stick with the Ministry’s inclusive approach or try something new.