Jan 14, 2018, (Australia) Geelong Advertiser: South Barwon MP Andrew Katos calls for dedicated autism school at Oberon site http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/news/geelong/south-barwon-mp-andrew-katos-calls-for-dedicated-autism-school-at-oberon-site/news-story/909ee7de9647174ad5003cc2614d0296 A LIBERAL MP has called for a soon-to-be-surplus school site in Belmont to be transformed into Geelong’s first dedicated Autism Spectrum Disorder school. South Barwon MP Andrew Katos said the site of Oberon High School in Belmont should be retained by the Government if the school is moved to Armstrong Creek as planned — not sold off and subdivided. “The government shouldn’t be selling off the site, they should be retaining is for education purposes,” the state Liberal MP said. “First of all Oberon’s move to Armstrong Creek has got to be funded. Assuming that takes place, then rather than sell the site it should be repurposed for an autism specific school for the Geelong region. “The Geelong region has an above average incidence of autism, and there have been calls for quite a while for an autism specific school in Geelong.” … The new primary and special school is expected to open its doors this year for both mainstream students from Prep to Year 6, and for special needs students from Prep to Year 12. In Geelong, it has been previously reported about 1-in-50 children exhibit characteristics on the autism spectrum — more than double the national average. There are currently two special schools in Geelong — the Nelson Park School in Bell Park and the Barwon Valley School in Belmont.
Childhood Lost
Children today are noticeably different from previous generations, and the proof is in the news coverage we see every day. This site shows you what’s happening in schools around the world. Children are increasingly disabled and chronically ill, and the education system has to accommodate them. Things we've long associated with autism, like sensory issues, repetitive behaviors, anxiety and lack of social skills, are now problems affecting mainstream students. Blame is predictably placed on bad parenting (otherwise known as trauma from home).
Addressing mental health needs is as important as academics for modern educators. This is an unrecognized disaster. The stories here are about children who can’t learn or behave like children have always been expected to. What childhood has become is a chilling portent for the future of mankind.