Five autistic students to be enrolled at intermediate-level public schools

A milestone in the education sector of the Kingdom is forthcoming as a total of five students with autism are set to enrol at the intermediate level (the academic year 2019- 2020) of public schools for the first time in history. Speaking to Tribune, Khalid Al Saeedi, Director of Special Education at the Education Ministry stated chronological age and academic level of the students are fundamental in this regard.

“Number of students expected to be enrolled in the programme is proportional to their chronological age and academic level with the programme. Five students will be enrolled in the academic year 2019-2020 according to their chronological age,” revealed Mr Al Saeedi The Ministry of Education is looking forward to the implementation of an educational project in public schools aimed to provide a comprehensive programme in vocational, academic and practical skills to help integrate students suffering from autism into intermediate and professional level.

A rise in primary schools equipped to integrate students with autism increased from three in 2010 to 16 in 2019.

“Because of the successful integration of students with autism in primary education (6-12 years), and the success of this educational policy in a fruitful way, both parents and professional associations are encouraged to integrate the concerned group into our schools.

“In light of this successful experience and in addition to parents desire and professional associations that care for children with autism and the continuous appeal to expand the integration programme into intermediate schools, the initiative will be implemented according to the provisions of the Compulsory Education Law,” stated Mr. Al Saeedi.