Special Education; Integrated Education; Inclusive Education and school readiness programs

The main difference between special education, integrated education and inclusive education is that special education system has an individual student-centric approach while integrated education attempts to encourage the students with disabilities to be part of the larger group. An inclusive system sticks to “education-for-all” approach. Furthermore, in comparison to special education, integrated education and inclusive education are more promising in uplifting the self-esteem and the self-concept of students with special needs. We at Kaleidoscope focus on preparing children for formal/mainstream school as well as per the need of the need.

Occupational Therapy & Sensory Intervention

Occupational therapy takes a “whole-person approach” to both mental and physical health and wellbeing and enables children to achieve their full potential. The therapy can help children of all ages who have some sort of cognitive, physical, or sensory problems that can interfere with learning and daily living skills. OT also works excellently in developing fine motor skills among children and improving their hand-eye coordination. Areas of intervention include providing an individualized sensory ‘diet’ (activities to help with sensory issues) and providing home-based programs for the family to carry out some necessary activities in the home environment. The sessions comprise a combination of activities to help in integrating the senses, developing motor coordination, and some ‘table top’ work.

Behavior Modification by Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a therapy based on the science of learning and behavior. It focuses on teaching certain behaviors through a series of rewards and consequences. The therapy helps in enhancing communication, social, and learning skills. The strength of ABA comes in its ability to reinforce positive human behaviors. This therapy applies to our understanding of how behavior works in real situations. This is the best tool for behavior modification to promote desired behaviors.

Speech and Communication Therapy

Speech and communication therapy involves assessing and treating children with specific speech, language, and communication problems to help them to communicate to the best of their ability.
This program is based on individual needs of the child which includes many communicating strategies like Picture Exchange Communication System, Augmentative and Alternative Communication. These activities are carried out in group and individual sessions.

Life Skill

Life skills for special needs children play an essential role in improving sensory processing, communication, social relationships and ultimately, acquiring independence. Life skills are very important and valuable for them to get in education. This skill training focuses on the various skills to produce a product in the form of real objects that are beneficial to life. By learning the various skills expected, children with special needs can gain a perceptual, appreciative, and creative experience. Life skills are taught through a combination of direct instruction, modeling, and opportunities for hands-on practice.

Social Skills

Social skills are a critical element to help children succeed socially, emotionally, personally, and even academically. These are the skills that can help children join in conversations, collaborate with peers, develop lasting friendships, or self-advocate when needed.
Children lacking social skills may have problems interacting with peers and/or adults. It can contribute to psychological distress, maladjustment problems, social isolation, and reduced self-esteem which can greatly affect the quality of life in terms of mental and physical health. They may misinterpret social situations, may seem uncomfortable with others and may feel victimized. Under this program individual and group sessions are conducted to target social goals.

Art Therapy

For children with special needs, how they deal with the world is different from the rest of us, but there are definite ways to soothe their fears while helping them improve on a number of levels. Art Therapy is an alternative form of therapy that can help a child with special needs work through issues that are interfering with their development.

This can include:

Physical,

Emotional,

Mental,

Behavioral Conditions.

This is incredibly beneficial because it helps the child “unlearn” behavior that has previously been associated with a negative emotion or situation, and replaces it with positive change or behaviours.