27th November 2017

SEN, the acronym for Special Education Needs, is meant for children who have learning disabilities or problems and face various difficulties with their Education. These children are unable to function independently in a classroom and find it difficult to adjust in a regular classroom without any Special Teacher dedicated to them. Hence all-inclusive classrooms, comprising of both regular, as well as special children, have Special Educators who act as teachers or ‘Shadow Teachers’ in these classrooms, helping the Specially-abled students with their learning as well as other functions in the classroom. A SEN teaching enthusiast needs to possess a teaching degree in SEN education in order to be able to apply for teaching positions for SEN children.  These SEN teacher training courses acquaint the teachers with the different ways and approaches to handling the Specially Abled Children in various situations that the teachers may face in the classroom. There are different courses for aspiring teachers in the market catering to different kinds of disabilities, thereby acquainting the aspirants with the necessary knowledge and attributes required for them to possess.

A SEN teacher must show the innate qualities of dedication and commitment towards making a difference in the life of the special children. SEN courses for teachers develop the teacher’s ability to help develop as well as give suggestions regarding the SEN curriculum followed in various classes and also cultivate assessing skills of the learners’ learning abilities through various assignments or activities. They are responsible for developing Special Education Individualised Education Plan (IEP) for each student according to their requirements.

Let us now discuss in brief the some of the common disabilities that Special children suffer from:

ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a type of brain disorder which is characterised by inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity – such behaviours interfering with their everyday functioning and their overall development. This is a lifelong condition and is caused because of genetic factors, drug abuse, and exposure to environmental toxins or brain injuries during pregnancy.

Autism: Also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), autism is a range of disorders often diagnosed within the first two years of age. It is caused mainly because of genetic and environmental factors. The various symptoms include poor communication and social skills, repetitive behaviours, etc. Reasons for autism may range from contracting certain infections in pregnancy to drug abuse and/or and exposure to environmental toxins.

Asperger’s Syndrome: like most other mental disabilities, Asperger’s is a lifelong disability. Individuals suffering from Asperger’s experience anxiety and find it difficult to relate to people and situations and have poor social skills. Asperger’s is harder to diagnose than autism and therefore may even be diagnosed at a later age also.

Dyslexia: One of the most common disabilities, more than 10 million cases of dyslexia has been reported in India. It is a reading disability which appears at an early age in kids who have trouble with reading accurately, spelling and writing and not a problem with intelligence and later go on to have a successful career and life.