Allow older writers for Mumbai autistic kids in board exams: Parents

MUMBAI: Autistic children should be allowed to appear for board exams with a writer who is older to the student as well known to him. This request was made by a delegation of parents and educationists, who met the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Commission on Tuesday and sought amendments to the existing concessions given to autistic students by all boards, including the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
The commission asked the parents to provide scientific research, if any, in this matter. “We will request the representatives of all education boards to come together and come up with a solution. We hope to give our recommendations within a month,” said A N Tripathi, secretary of the commission.
“Autistic children have behavioural issues that can vary from one child to another. Some children also have attention problems, so they need someone familiar to keep reminding them to focus on the exam. We request all boards to allow autistic children to have writers who are older to them,” said Meera Kothari, one of the representatives. Parents added that there have been cases where autistic children have done better around people they know.
Students with various disabilities are allowed writers younger to them, except kids with speech impairment. “If students with speech impairment can have this benefit, then why can’t our children,” said Beena Modak, member, Forum For Autism. Recently, a group of parents, through the forum, had approached the state board to allow this concession for autistic kids. “We have received a positive response from the state board and hope to see changes in the NIOS board too,” said Modak.