Identified Barriers in Tshepo's Education

Question: Tshepo, a bright and enthusiastic five-year-old, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at the age of three. Tshepo cannot communicate verbally although his parents understand his gestures. He does not like loud noises and would run away when he feels unsafe. Despite his intelligence and eagerness to learn, Tshepo encountered significant barriers when his parents sought admission to mainstream schools in their neighbourhood. Many schools cited their lack of resources and expertise to accommodate Tshepo's needs, leading to his exclusion from mainstream education. The challenges faced by Tshepo and his family were multifaceted. They encountered prejudice and misconceptions about Tshepo's abilities from school authorities and peers. Additionally, the limited availability of special education programmes further exacerbated their struggles to find a suitable learning environment for Tshepo. The emotional toll of rejection and the fear of stigmatisation weighed heavily on Tshepo's parents as they navigated the education system. Determined to provide Tshepo with quality education despite the hurdles, his parents sought support from advocacy groups and disability rights organisations. With their guidance, Tshepo's family was informed about international policies that influence inclusive education. As a signatory to these international policies and legislation on inclusive education, South Africa has also passed and enforced several policies and pieces of legislation on inclusive education. As such, Thepo’s parents explored alternative educational options and found a specialised inclusive school equipped to cater to his needs. This school offered a supportive environment where Tshepo could thrive academically, socially and emotionally. The transition to the inclusive school marked a turning point in Tshepo's educational journey. With access to tailored support and individualised learning plans, Tshepo made remarkable progress in his academic and personal development. The inclusive environment fostered a sense of belonging and acceptance, empowering Tshepo to embrace his unique abilities and build meaningful connections with his peers Identify four barriers (4) that Tshepo experienced and state if the identified barriers are intrinsic or extrinsic barriers (4). Give a reason for your choice of barrier type (4)