From Owen Akenzua, Asaba
Management of schools in Delta State have been urged to formulate and implement policies that would promote school health for children with special education needs.
Speaking on the ‘Role of School Health Management of Children with Special Education Needs’ at an orientation programme on autism, the Head of Service, HoS, Dr Mininim Oseji disclosed that detection of early deviation from normal health and proper treatment to restore children to normalcy is crucial to their well-being, which would eventually impact positively on their success in schools and other fields of human endeavour.
She noted that the orientation course was a follow-up on the activities initiated by the immediate past Head of Service, Mr Reginald Bayoko, on autism.
Dr Oseji stressed that all stakeholders, including government, school management, parents, the international community and non-governmental organisations must be actively involved in data collection and policy formulation on Special Education Needs in the state.
Emphasising that all stakeholders should support children with special education needs by listening, guiding them through clear communication structure and dealing with issues impeding learning, the head of service expressed hope that their lives would be positively impacted in the state.
“If we are focused, passionate and keep our eyes on the prize, no child with special needs, including autism, will be left behind,” she said.
Earlier, a Consultant Paediatrician/Child Neurologist at Asaba Specialist Hospital, Dr Prince Ofudu defined autism spectrum disorder as a neurological and developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction and behavior in children.
Revealing that autism has three features such as impairment in communication, social interaction and repetitive behaviors, Ofudu recommended that awareness, physical and psychological treatment can assist in management.
He added that early diagnosis and intensive intervention are necessary for the development of the brain of an autistic child.
