Teaching children with special needs requires not just empathy but also deep expertise in specialized methodologies. Benjaporn Jansakul, an inclusive care expert based in Bangkok, has over twelve years of experience working with children with special needs at various international schools. Also, a Level 2 children’s yoga trainer and alumnus of Bangkok University, she caters to the 2–7-year-old age group, offering pro bono workshops for teachers and caregivers.
Benjaporn’s areas of expertise include cognitive delays, communication disorders, sensory processing issues, ADHD, dyslexia, learning disabilities, and more. In a comprehensive discussion with The Mind Diaries, she delves into her teaching style, and essential considerations in special education, and offers profound advice for parents and educators.
Here are the detailed excerpts:
Could you describe your teaching methodology for children with special needs?
In my approach to teaching children with special needs, I prioritize understanding each child’s unique learning style, strengths, and the specific challenges they face. Working closely with our dedicated special education team and the children’s parents, we craft an Individual Education Program Plan (IEP) for each student. This plan is not just a document—it’s a commitment to their educational journey, detailing personalized academic goals and the tailored methods we’ll use to achieve them. We continually adapt our teaching techniques and materials, shifting from traditional to more innovative methods as needed, to ensure that every child can learn effectively in our inclusive classroom environment. This empathetic and adaptive approach is at the heart of everything we do, aiming to empower each child to reach their full potential.
How do you incorporate visual aids and sensory experiences to enhance learning for children with special needs?
We enrich our teaching with colourful visual aids like pictures, charts, and diagrams to clarify concepts for children who might struggle with verbal instructions. Our curriculum includes engaging physical activities such as jumping and throwing ball, which help develop coordination and motor skills. To support communication, we use simple language along with visual supports and alternative methods like sign language and picture cards.
We emphasize multi-sensory learning by integrating activities that engage sight, sound, and touch. This includes hands-on experiments and creative activities like finger painting and playing with scented play dough, enhancing both learning and sensory experiences.
Our approach also focuses on creating a structured environment with clear routines and expectations, alongside fostering peer interactions through group activities and buddy systems. This not only helps in building social skills but also in creating a supportive, inclusive learning environment. Frequent praise and encouragement play a crucial role in motivating our students, as we break down tasks to help them achieve independence gradually.
What are some crucial considerations you keep in mind when teaching children with special needs?
Patience and empathy are fundamental to our teaching approach, as we recognize the unique needs of each child, which often require additional time and understanding for them to achieve their full potential. Our commitment to these values helps foster an inclusive and supportive environment where children with special needs can thrive.
We also pay careful attention to sensory sensitivities. For children who may be easily overwhelmed by bright lights, loud noises, or crowded spaces, we maintain a calm, quiet classroom with minimal distractions to facilitate a better learning experience.
Transitions are another critical area. We understand that changes in routine can be challenging, especially for children with autism or ADHD. We use tools like visual schedules and timers and provide gentle reminders about upcoming transitions to help reduce anxiety and prepare them for changes throughout the day.
Social interactions are managed with great care, as we create structured opportunities for children with social communication issues or anxiety to practice social skills in a controlled, supportive setting.
We address academic frustrations with individualized instruction and scaffolded support, particularly for children who may struggle to keep pace with their peers due to learning disabilities or developmental delays. Recognizing their efforts and providing positive reinforcement is key to building their confidence and motivation, especially when they find it difficult to express themselves and might show signs of aggression as a result.
How much more vulnerable are children with special needs to mental health challenges?
Children with special needs are significantly more vulnerable to mental health challenges due to various factors. Often, they encounter difficulties in social interactions, which can lead to feelings of isolation or rejection by their peers. The absence of strong social support can intensify feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, these children are at a higher risk of experiencing discrimination and bullying, which further exacerbates their mental health struggles. Addressing these challenges requires sensitive intervention and a supportive community to help mitigate the impact of these experiences.
What advice would you give to parents and teachers of children with special needs, especially in the early years?
My primary advice to parents is to invest time in understanding your child’s specific diagnosis, strengths, and challenges. For parents and teachers of children with special needs, understanding and collaboration are key. Joining support groups and educating oneself can greatly aid in navigating these challenges. Remember, your child is on a unique journey—cherish and dedicate yourself to this path.
Similarly, teachers and parents should maintain close communication, regularly sharing assessments and observations to monitor the child’s progress both academically and socially. Setting realistic expectations and working collaboratively to develop and implement supportive strategies and interventions are crucial. These efforts should be consistent across both home and school settings, ensuring that the child receives a stable and understanding environment. Celebrate every small achievement, as it can be a significant milestone for the child.
Moreover, establishing clear routines and predictable schedules can make a substantial difference in making children feel secure and prepared for daily activities. Both parents and teachers must also take care of their own physical and mental well-being to sustain the energy and patience required for this important role. Additionally, don’t overlook your own needs; maintaining your physical and mental well-being is crucial. This balance helps you provide the best support for your child and ensures you can handle the challenges that come with parenting.
Could you also share some activity-based tips and care with home and school-level interventions?
At School
Sensory Play: We set up sensory play stations featuring materials of different textures like sand, water beads, rice, or playdough, along with sensory-friendly toys to encourage sensory exploration and relaxation.
Adapted Physical Education: Activities are designed to accommodate physical disabilities or limited mobility, including modified sports, wheelchair basketball, yoga, and dance. These activities focus on improving gross motor skills and coordination.
Process Art: We provide opportunities for children to express themselves through painting, drawing, sculpting, and other creative activities. These are not evaluated for artistic quality but rather for the expression and thought processes they reveal.
Music and Movement: Activities include the use of instruments, rhythm sticks, scarves, and dance props to create a sensory-rich environment. This allows children to express themselves and relax through music and movement, with music choices tailored to each child.
Storytelling and Role-Playing: We engage children in storytelling, drama, and role-playing to enhance their imagination and communication skills, using simple character representations through pictures and drawings.
At Home
Structured Routine: Parents should establish a simple, reward-based task schedule like making the bed or watering plants, celebrating each small achievement.
Outdoor Activities: Frequent visits to local and recreational parks are encouraged.
Supervised Social Gatherings: Prepare children for social events like birthday parties by sharing details beforehand to ease anxiety.
Cooking Activities: Choose simple recipes that involve tactile ingredients and provide adapted kitchen tools for children with motor challenges.
Soft Social Interactions: Foster gentle, controlled social interactions to build confidence.
Pet Interaction: Introducing pets can be beneficial, enhancing emotional and social skills.
Limit Screen Time: Manage and limit screen exposure to encourage more active and engaged play.
Nature Engagement: Activities like fruit plucking or kite flying are great for physical activity and engagement with nature.
Visual Stimulation: Use colourful gas balloons to provide visual stimulation and joy.
How should life skills training and education be approached for children with special needs?
The primary objective in educating children with special needs is to equip them with life skills and education comparable to their peers. Though their developmental progress might be slower, these children are capable of learning effectively with the right support. Continuous collaboration between educators and parents is essential to help these children achieve independence and proficiency in life skills and academics. Many individuals who had learning disabilities have gone on to lead successful lives, such as Bill Gates who has ADHD, and actors Ryan Gosling and Emma Watson, highlighting the potential that can be realized with appropriate support.
For older students, particularly those transitioning out of school, it is crucial to provide vocational training and transition services. These programs are designed to prepare them for employment and independent living, incorporating job skills training, career exploration, internships, job coaching, and transition planning. These initiatives ensure that students are not only prepared academically but are also equipped with practical skills to navigate the workforce and everyday life successfully.
Could you share some inspirational stories of children who have responded positively to your support?
I have witnessed many heartening transformations, but two stories particularly stand out:
P’s (Name withheld) Journey with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD): When P was around 3.5 years old, his parents noticed his extreme tantrums over minor issues, which were intense and long-lasting, straining the whole family. His mood swings were frequent and severe, affecting his social interactions and academic performance at preschool. After a proper diagnosis of DMDD, his parents and I, along with a child psychologist, crafted a tailored treatment plan. I engaged with P initially through LEGO, a shared interest that helped him stay calm and engaged. Over two years, with consistent support and understanding, P’s mood swings reduced significantly in both frequency and intensity. He became more equipped to manage his emotions and behaviours, thriving at home and in school. Now at age 5, P regularly plays with friends and continues to develop his educational activities, showing remarkable resilience and growth.
Silli’s Experience with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD):
Silli was diagnosed with SPD at the age of six. Her sensitivity to loud noises, certain food textures, and crowded, brightly lit spaces made daily activities challenging. Working closely with her parents, we introduced sensory tools like fidget toys and noise-cancelling headphones, which were transformative for her. I also arranged a quiet corner in the classroom for her to retreat to when overwhelmed. These adjustments allowed Silli to manage her sensory overload effectively and maintain focus. Silli’s progress over the years underscores the importance of personalized support and accommodations, demonstrating that with the right resources, children with SPD can excel.
Having worked internationally, can you describe the differences in special education between India and the countries you’ve worked in?
I’ve had the opportunity to work in Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand, and while each country presents unique challenges and strengths in special education, India’s situation is particularly distinct. Despite having a higher number of children with special needs, I observed that awareness and intervention at the parental level in India are commendably high. However, the country faces a significant shortage of qualified educators for children with special needs. There is a pressing need for more comprehensive training programs and increased investment in this sector. India would benefit from enhanced governmental policies and the establishment of more educational institutes offering postgraduate courses, not just diplomas, in special education. This approach would help professionalize the field further and ensure that children with special needs receive the high-quality education and support they deserve.
We thank Benjaporn Jansakul for sharing her valuable insights and experiences. We hope this interview inspires our readers to advocate for and contribute to the advancement of special education in their communities.