MANILA, Philippines — Question: My brother has a child who is autistic. My sister-in-law enrolled him in a regular school last school year but was not given any attention. We are now searching for school here in Las Piñas where we can enroll him. Please help us regarding this matter. Please send us a list of schools here in Las Piñas. Your help will be highly appreciated for we want to see changes in the child – Concerned Aunt

There are factors to consider in selecting a school for a special child:

1. Readiness of the child. Liza Jo Rudy has given the following questions to consider as you are going to look for a new school:

What is the learning style of the child? Is he verbal, auditory/verbal auditory? Then the child can join a mainstreaming class but his unique characteristics must be addressed.

What are his strengths in academics? Some children with autism are highly functioning in math and reading. Accommodations are necessary to develop these gifts as well as the challenges to keep him on task.

Can he join and socialize with a large group? Since children with autism are sensitive to loud sound and noise, modifying the environment is essential.

How is his ability to focus? Typical classrooms have lots of decorations and bulletin boards; these could be distracting to a special child.

How was his experience in the former school? Inform the next school about it to guide them in designing a program for the child.

2. School readiness. These are the factors to consider: academic reputation, social reputation, school size and class size, safety reputation, special needs and qualified school administrators, teachers and staff and school location and the kinds of programs it offers.

3. Parents' readiness. Parents are the school’s partners in educating children especially children with special needs. Strong and supportive relationships between home and school are needed. Are you ready to take an active role and support the various activities to make your child’s schooling successful? Discuss with the school how you can actively participate. In our school, our parents participate in all areas of learning for their children. They act as chaperons during field trips, paraprofessionals, lobbyists and organize lectures — forums for parents.

Below are some of the reputable schools for educating children with autism. Go and visit and see for yourself. Please contact them and make appointments first. There are few remaining slots for enrolment.

School: HOPE Development Center
Directress: Nida Gusto
Contact: 41 Ponce St. BF Homes. Tel. 8017901, 8062860

School: Las Piñas Montessori
School Directress: Rowena Lorenzo
Contact: 25 Gumamela St. Cor. Dama de Noche St.Vergonville Subd. Las Pinas City. Tel. 8725808

School: REACH INC.
Directress: Lolita Serrano
Contact: 2nd Floor Uniwide Sales Metro Mall Alabang Zapote Road, Las Pinas. Tel. 8715167, 8733438

School: Candent Learning Haus
Directress: Joji Reynes Santos
Contact: Tropical Ave,. BF Homes
Tel. 825 8757; 0917-8018862

(Teresita De Mesa is registered professional educator with 35 years of teaching profession as a SPED and as regular classroom teacher. She is a full-time professor, teaching special education courses in the Special Education Department of the College of Education, Philippine Normal University and the Directress/Principal of St. John Ma. Vianney Special Education Learning And Resource Center. For questions on SPED, send e-mail to MByouthsection@gmail.com)