Promote acceptance and awareness of autism in schools

---

Extract from the article: School is much more than academic learning: it's a place where children develop the social develop the social, emotional and behavioural skills that will stay with them accompany them throughout their lives. The inclusion of autistic pupils in mainst

---

School is much more than academic learning: it's a place where children develop the social develop the social, emotional and behavioural skills that will stay with them accompany them throughout their lives. The inclusion of autistic pupils in mainstream schools is a major challenge, but it is also an opportunity. A major challenge, but also a valuable opportunity to promote a more equitable and tolerant society. To this end teachers' awareness of this reality is becoming an urgent necessity. The care and support of autistic pupils depends largely on the understanding and skills of education professionals.

To promote acceptance of autism in schools, the Togolese Association for Inclusive Education of Intellectually Disabled People (ATEIPDI) organized on Monday 07 April 2025, in collaboration with the structure "La Lumière" an autism awareness session for teachers at the Wonyomé public primary school (EPP). The objective of this event was to inform and train educational staff on the particularities of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to help them adopt appropriate pedagogical strategies to accompany autistic students in their school career. 

“The disability associated with autism is almost unknown to teachers, as their training makes little room for this type of disability. This leads to a lack of understanding and, sometimes, misunderstandings or inappropriate behaviour towards an autistic student. For this reason, we thought it necessary to give them some basic elements through this awareness campaign that would enable them to identify suspected cases quickly and according to the situations, or encourage the hierarchy to take appropriate measures (inclusion), either direct the parents to the few special education centres such as the "light" structure, for a more appropriate accompaniment", said Dr Koffi Yaboué, President of ATEIPDI..

An informed and well-trained teacher can make a significant difference in the academic success of a child with autism, including by adapting teaching methods, reducing student anxiety and promoting greater inclusion.

According to Dr Koffi Yaboué, President of ATEIPDI, it is necessary to distinguish two situations: first that of children whose degree of severity of disability nevertheless allows with some adapted measures, education in the ordinary system. Inclusion is required for this category. Inclusion is not just about the design of space, it’s about a change in attitudes and educational practices. School inclusion is not only about physical presence in a classroom, but also about acceptance, respect for differences and the establishment of an appropriate learning environment. Then the children whose disability does not allow an immediate inclusion in the ordinary school system. For this category, there is a need to go to a special education centre in order to obtain more suitable support.

The session also provided insight into the importance of working with parents and health professionals to develop individualized strategies. Educating teachers about autism is a fundamental issue to ensure the successful schooling of autistic children.

William O.