Canada Global(Web News) A huge step forward is being made for children with autism in Edmonton. There will now be a dedicated school and increased learning opportunities for students on the spectrum.
That includes children like Katie Kjelland’s five-year-old son Ethan. He has autism and currently receives help at home.
A child with autism will have different needs than another child with autism
Kjelland plans to move her son to a neighborhood kindergarten at the end of the year, but now her family has another choice.
“It’s reassuring to know that if that environment doesn’t suit him, there are other options available that we can explore in the future,” Kjelland said.
The new option, announced Thursday afternoon at the Autism Conference in Edmonton, will allow the kindergarten to Grade 6 school for children with autism to open by next school year. Children’s Autism Services of Edmonton will operate the independent school.
Terry Duncan, the organization’s executive director, says the school will use a different strategy than traditional elementary education
when dealing with challenging behavior. Offering an environment that fits their needs
Children’s Autism Services of Edmonton says enrollment has not yet begun, but hopes to eventually accommodate 200 families.
