“Inclusive education” rings with pride here at Sasame Higashi Elementary School. This sets it apart. Are you ready to learn how?
Sasame Higashi Elementary School is not just any school. It is a unique place. It welcomes all children. The school integrates children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It includes typically developing children on the same campus. This approach makes Sasame Higashi a pioneer.
The story began with a kindergarten in 1964. It was originally for typically developing children. Five children with ASD applied. They were all admitted. This started inclusive education. An elementary school opened in 1977. Junior and vocational high schools followed. Each adopted inclusive education.
Dr. Jerome Kegan from Harvard visited. He was interested in ASD education. He introduced the concept to the US. Parents of children with ASD requested a similar school in the US. Boston Higashi School opened as a sister school. It educates about 150 students with ASD each year. It was commended as an excellent special education school.
The Musashino Higashi Center supports students with ASD. They may not be enrolled. MHS educates about 2000 children. About 1000 have ASD. The education attracts researchers. It gains support from ministries. It enjoys a good global reputation. Many people visit from around the world.
Sasame Higashi’s method differs from others. It has four main pillars. The first is physical stamina building. Children establish a rhythm through sports and exercise. Emotional stability is the second pillar. They improve concentration. They understand what is appropriate. Intellectual stimulation is the third. They develop intellectual abilities.
Daily Life Therapy is key. It employs a holistic approach. It uses physical stamina. It uses emotional stability. It uses intellectual stimulation. It focuses on what a child can do. It helps them develop. It gives guidance repeatedly.
Group education is also important. A class of about 10 children with ASD is organized. At first they are not interested in teachers. But being in a group alleviates anxiety. Teachers encourage them to inspire others. They shift their interest to classmates. A chain reaction occurs. Group lessons begin. Children grow by imitating friends. Group dynamics are effective.
Inclusive education is a form of group education. Two typically developing children are enrolled for each ASD child. They spend their school life in the same building. Subject learning is separate. Classrooms are arranged alternately. This promotes interaction. They have lunch together. They join team competitions. Some ASD children study all classes. Others study one subject in a classroom for typically developing children. This flexible environment is a great feature.
Children with ASD are constantly in contact with typically developing children. They engage in conversations. They become interested. The stimulus triggers an interest in others. ASD children are honest. They do not lie or attack. Typically developing children approach them. They become good friends.
The goal is to cultivate social independence. The school teaches life skills. This includes shopping cooking and cleaning. It includes grooming and greetings. It teaches telephone calls. It covers rules and manners in public. Vocational education provides knowledge. It gives practical experience. It supports social independence.
Some children with ASD are hypersensitive. They overreact to external stimuli. This hypersensitivity leads to special skills. Some have photographic memory. Some have perfect pitch. These abilities can lead to competent professionals.
Graduates get jobs. They are accepted by colleagues. They become independent. They are less likely to be discriminated against. The school focuses on raising adults who are accepted. It does not correct peculiarities. It does not develop the same abilities as typical children. MHS education achieves its goals.
Sasame Higashi Elementary School stands as a beacon of inclusivity. It shapes a more understanding future for all. Its unique approach creates a supportive learning environment. It prepares children for a fulfilling life.