Tunas Global School, which is known as the only inclusive education institution in Depok City that accepts students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), has held a historic event to raise awareness about autism among educators. In close collaboration with the University of Indonesia (UI) Community Service and Empowerment Team, the event titled ‘Caring for ASD’ succeeded in gathering kindergarten, elementary, and junior high school teachers on Saturday, August 12, 2023.
The ‘Care for ASD’ event aims to equip educators with a deeper understanding of autism and encourage the formation of an attitude of empathy towards individuals with autism. The negative stigma that is still attached to individuals with autism and their families in society has the potential to hinder their psychological development. Therefore, this event is also intended to overcome this stigma and promote an inclusive approach within the educational community.
Since its establishment in 2007, Tunas Global School has implemented inclusive education that accommodates students with ASD through psychological assessment for various levels of education, from kindergarten to junior high school. Not only integrating these students in regular classes, but Tunas Global also provides special support through special tutors or shadow teachers.
Prof. Dr. dr. Rini Sekartina, Sp.A(K), an expert in pediatric social development, who is also the Head of the UI Community Service Team in Indonesia, was one of the main speakers at this event. He highlighted the importance of early detection of autism at the age of 18 months to 2 years. In addition, he also stressed the need to equip children with ASD with independent skills from the age of 3, such as putting on their shoes. Rini also invited parents to provide opportunities for ASD children to do outdoor activities and provide balanced food intake.
Aida Yuni Kusumawardani, M.Psi, a psychology expert, gave a presentation with the theme “Welcome to the Autistic World.” In this session, educators are invited to experience a simulation of being an individual with autism, to build deeper empathy. It is hoped that by understanding this world, educators can better support their students with ASD.
This event does not only present theoretical understanding. More than 50 teachers, several lecturers, and Doctoral Program students in Biomedical Sciences from the UI Faculty of Medicine participated in direct interactions with four ASD students. These educators had the opportunity to observe and interact with Daniel (8 years), Bella (9 years), Aya (10.5 years), and Eugene (7 years) as they played with play dough.
The ‘Care for ASD’ event initiated by Tunas Global and UI confirms the commitment to transcend the negative stigma against autism and individuals with ASD. By increasing understanding and empathy, educators can play an important role in creating an inclusive educational environment, respecting differences, and providing full support for the development of students with ASD.