Special Education and Autism

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental disorder that causes individuals to avoid communication, other forms of interaction, and affects behavior, manifesting, in particular, in repetitive actions and self-harming behavior. Since autism is a spectrum of disorders, its impact varies in each individual depending on the severity of the symptoms. This also affects academic performance, as the ability to perceive and process information decreases.

Many children with autism do not attend regular schools but instead receive special education that takes their unique needs into account. Special education is based on an individualized learning program, which is created after identifying each child’s strengths and challenges. To do this, the following assessments are carried out:

• A play session to determine the level of social skills.
• An evaluation of speech development, behavior, and adaptation to daily life.
• A discussion with the parents.

This process helps gather detailed information about the child’s symptoms and needs, which is used to plan lessons and determine additional therapy methods aimed at ensuring the best possible outcome.

Individualized Approaches for Each Child

Since every child with autism has unique challenges, educators trained in special education use specific approaches designed to help them acquire underdeveloped skills.

• Visual prompts in the form of pictures or videos help children quickly learn about hygiene rules and various skills, leading to increased independence.
• Anxiety reduction strategies. Autistic children tend to have strong negative reactions to any changes in their daily routine. Visual or verbal cues prepare them for changes in advance. If the same subjects are taught by different teachers or if the activity type changes during play sessions, anxiety levels decrease, and sharp displays of dissatisfaction are often prevented.
• Specific speech patterns. Specialized schools for children with special needs use short, clear phrases without double meanings. During lessons, idioms and sarcasm should be avoided, as their meaning is difficult for autistic children to understand.
• Sensory space organization. Autistic children often exhibit stereotypical behaviors, such as clapping, shouting, jumping, etc. Therefore, providing access to cushions, toys like fidget spinners, soft balls, and swings allows them to release emotions and reduce stress.

The Importance of Specialized Schools for Autistic Children

Specialized schools for autistic children play a crucial and positive role—they not only provide education but also help children develop and acquire new skills. However, this process happens significantly faster if these children attend regular schools, where they can observe and imitate the behavior of neurotypical peers. The problem lies in the fact that not all children have the opportunity to attend regular schools due to the challenges they face, which need to be addressed before they can be integrated into mainstream education.

Cellular Therapy as the Best Treatment for Autism

Currently, the most effective method for combating autism and its symptoms is cellular therapy, which is an innovative, highly effective, and safe approach. Positive results are achieved by activating the body’s own regenerative abilities through the transplantation of the patient’s stem cells, which eliminates immune system reactions and, as a result, the rejection of the transplanted biological material.

Stem cells have the unique ability to transform into any other type of cell. After transplantation, they transform into healthy replacements for damaged cells, leading to the normalization of brain and nervous system functions. This result lasts for many years, often permanently, which significantly increases the effectiveness of supplementary autism therapies.

Leading clinics worldwide are confident in the great potential of cellular therapy, as they have been using this technology for years, helping thousands of patients. It is also applied at the Mardaleishvili Medical Center, where highly qualified specialists with excellent training, scientific achievements, and extensive experience have achieved significant results, aided by the latest-generation equipment. The services provided here are more affordable than in other countries, and in addition, the center offers free assistance with trip planning, accommodation arrangements, and other related issues.