Education Dept. hosts First Autism Teachers’ Gathering as part of Awareness Month.

By THE STAR STAFF

As part of its Autism Awareness Month initiatives, the Department of Education (DE) -- through its Associate Secretariat for Special Education -- held the First Autism Teachers’ Gathering over the weekend.

The event, which took place at the Inter American University of Puerto Rico’s Ponce Campus, served as a professional development and training forum aimed at educators working directly with students on the autism spectrum.

The forum brought together nearly 500 participants, including teachers, facilitators, coordinators and undergraduate students majoring in autism studies. Attendees benefited from a program focused on practical tools and effective strategies for managing various situations within the school environment. Key topics addressed included crisis prevention and management, as well as the use of visual supports to transform classroom dynamics.

Education Secretary Eliezer Ramos Parés highlighted the importance of such initiatives in continuing to strengthen the capabilities of teaching staff and ensuring the provision of high-quality services to this student population.

“We commend this initiative, which provides our teachers with concrete tools to address the needs of our students with autism with sensitivity, knowledge and effectiveness,” he said. “Forums like this are fundamental to continuing to foster school environments that are inclusive, safe, and centered on the well-being of every student.”

Ramos Parés further emphasized that strengthening special education and providing care for students with autism are key priorities in a governing administration agenda that champions inclusion, equity, and access to high-quality specialized services.

“At the Department, we are implementing targeted initiatives designed to bolster special education services, train our staff, and ensure that every student receives the support they need for their academic and personal development,” he added.