PENGURUSAN PENDIDIKAN KANAK-KANAK BERKEPERLUAN KHAS DI SEKOLAH AWAM: KAJIAN KES KANAK-KANAK AUTISME DI INDONESIA

Abstract

This study examines the management of the education of autistic children in public schools in Indonesia, where most schools are unequipped with special facilities or support for special education. Inclusive education in Indonesia aims to provide equal access to all students, including children with autism. However, implementing inclusive education in public schools faces various challenges, such as the lack of trained teachers in special education, the absence of individual education programs, and the lack of adaptation in teaching strategies. Based on a case study of a five-year-old autistic child in a public school in Sulawesi, this study examines the challenges faced by autistic children in adapting to a school environment that is not responsive to their special needs. Data were collected through observation, semi-structured interviews with parents, and document analysis. The study’s findings show that teachers' lack of knowledge about teaching strategies for autistic children hinders the active participation of these students in class and affects their academic and social development. This study also identifies special training needs for teachers and provides recommendations to improve the implementation of inclusive education for children with autism in public schools in Indonesia.