#Japan #Tokyo #Autism Spectrum Disorder #Inclusive Education #Tokyo Autism Association

The Future of Inclusive Education: A Focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Tokyo Autism Association is set to hold a significant lecture titled "What Inclusive Education Aims For: Approaches to Special Needs Education and Support for School Avoidance". This event will explore the pressing issues surrounding inclusive education in light of recent United Nations recommendations, which have sparked heated discussions.

The concept of an inclusive education system often raises strong opinions, with many arguing that separation in education—such as special support schools and classes—should be eliminated entirely. However, the reality is more complex. For many children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), their unique sensory and cognitive characteristics can make it challenging to thrive in a standard classroom environment. Some of these children prefer smaller groups and calmer surroundings, making special support classes essential for their educational journey.

Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for children with ASD to experience school avoidance due to the highly demanding atmosphere of regular classrooms. For these children, special education classes or autism-specific programs often serve as vital learning environments that cannot be overlooked.

Keynote Speakers

To delve deeper into the effective practices of inclusive education for children with developmental disabilities, the association has invited Professor Hideki Miyazaki, an eminent figure in special support education and an emeritus professor at Toyo University, to deliver the keynote speech. In addition, Mr. Tsunetaka Hijikata, a long-serving teaching director at a special support class in Chofu City, will provide firsthand insights from the educational fronlines.

Following the keynote, a panel discussion will take place, focusing on the actual experiences in special support education and how it contributes to the future of inclusive education where everyone can learn in their own way. This is a crucial opportunity to discuss and learn about perspectives on autism in relation to inclusive educational frameworks, an area that is not adequately addressed in broader discussions.

Event Details

The event is hybrid in nature, allowing attendees to participate either in person or online, ensuring accessibility for a wider audience. We invite all interested individuals to join us and contribute to this essential conversation!

• - Date: June 15, 2025
• - Time: 13:00 - 15:30

- Keynote Lecture: 13:00 - 14:00
- Panel Discussion: 14:10 - 15:30

Keynote Speaker:

• - Professor Hideki Miyazaki (Emeritus Professor, Toyo University and member of the Special Support Education Promotion Alliance)

Panelist:

• - Mr. Tsunetaka Hijikata (Teaching Director, Jindai Middle School in Chofu City, Special Support Education Coordinator)

Registration Fees

• - Free for members of the Tokyo Autism Association
• - 550 yen for members of autism associations from other prefectures
• - 1,100 yen for non-members (including system usage fee)

Venue

• - Location: 7th Floor, Welfare Foundation Building, 3-43-11 Minami-Otsuka, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0005

(5-minute walk from Otsuka Station on the JR Yamanote Line, 7 minutes from Shin-Otsuka Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)

Additional Information

• - Capacity: 50 in-person participants, 100 online participants.
• - Registration Deadline: June 10 (Tuesday)
• - Registration Link: Event Registration
• - For further inquiries email: autism@bz04.plala.or.jp

Please note that recording, photography, or any capturing of content will be strictly prohibited during both in-person and online sessions. Refunds will not be available after ticket purchase.