Special Needs Educational Therapist

Special Needs Educational Therapist Program

Educational Therapy has been classified under procedure code 93.82 since 1986 in the International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modifications-Ninth revision, Volume 3 (ICD-9-CM, V-3) of World Health Organisation (WHO). It is considered the gold standard non-pharmacological approach, treating a wide range of learning difficulties, disorders, differences, and deficits. 

The WHO framework for inclusive education underscores the critical link between health and education, recognizing that education significantly impacts overall health and well-being, ensuring that children with special needs are not left behind. Promoting equity in education by providing all students, regardless of their abilities, with opportunities to succeed encourages social inclusion and reduces stigma associated with disabilities. 

Additionally, it supports the holistic development of children, addressing their educational, social, emotional, and health needs. Special Needs Educational Therapists align with these principles by fostering an inclusive educational environment that benefits all students, particularly those with special needs.

Roles and Responsibilities

Special Needs Educational Therapists (SNETs) play a pivotal role in supporting students with diverse learning needs. These professionals are essential in ensuring that every child has access to quality education. Their work aligns with WHO’s mission to promote inclusive education, equity, and overall well-being. Their responsibilities include conducting comprehensive diagnostic assessments to identify learning disabilities and other special needs. They create and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) tailored to each student’s unique needs, providing specialized instruction and intensive interventions to help students overcome learning barriers. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to foster a supportive learning environment and advocate for the rights and needs of students with disabilities.

Practical Therapy Knowledge and Intervention Skills

Training programs for SNETs equip them with practical knowledge and skills to implement effective interventions. These include learning techniques for managing challenging behaviors and promoting positive behavior in the classroom, gaining skills in various therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, and sensory integration techniques, understanding and utilizing assistive technologies to support learning and communication, developing adaptive teaching methods and materials to accommodate different learning styles and abilities, training in crisis intervention techniques to address immediate behavioral or emotional crises, and building foundational counseling skills to support the emotional and mental well-being of students.

Who Needs to Be Trained as Special Needs Educational Therapists?

Training to become a SNET is crucial for various professionals involved in the education and care of individual with special needs. This includes:

• Special education teachers who can benefit from this training to effectively support students with diverse learning needs in mainstream classrooms. 

• Educational psychologists require specialized training to conduct accurate assessments and develop effective intervention strategies.

• Speech and language therapists, who often work with children with communication disorders, benefit from understanding the educational aspects of special needs.

• Occupational therapists, who support students with physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges, need knowledge of educational strategies.

• Counselors and social workers, who support the emotional and social well-being of students with special needs, benefit from understanding their educational requirements.

• Parents and caregivers can also benefit from training, as it empowers them to support their children’s learning and advocate for their needs.

Program Requirements

1. Academic qualification: Minimum bachelor’s degree. English is preferred to be the medium of instruction for the bachelor’s degree. A score of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent is acceptable if the medium of instruction or first language is not English.
2. Guided learning hours to fulfil: 30 hours per module (150 hours per tier). 
3. Internship hours: 220 hours (under supervision at a special education needs setting, counseling center or therapy clinic or hospital).