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Future teachers at the Faculty of Education of the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen (FPE UWB) encounter the issue of children with autism as part of their training. The faculty considers it essential to open up inclusive topics and to show how to approach children with special educational needs. One of the means is also a photography exhibition of children with autism, which is on display throughout October in the faculty atrium on Veleslavínova Street. The photographs are accompanied by basic information about autism and recommendations on how to approach people on the spectrum.

“Inclusion is without doubt one of the most discussed topics in our education system. A highly significant aspect of teacher training is that today’s classrooms are very diverse. We therefore consider it crucial to open issues connected with children with special educational needs. The exhibition sensitively reminds us that these are, above all, children deserving of full attention, care, and love,” said the Dean of the Faculty, Pavel Mentlík.

The exhibition was prepared by the civic association ProCit, which has been helping families with children with autism for 15 years. The collection of dozens of photographs by photographer Kamil Holub was created during an educational and sport-relaxation stay in Konstantinovy Lázně. “The photographs open up a topic that is still not widely discussed in society. Our aim is to show that autism is not always visible at first sight, yet it brings daily challenges. We believe that through such events we can help the public better understand life with this diagnosis while also supporting families,” said Irena Vítovcová, Chair of ProCit. “You cannot reliably distinguish a person with autism spectrum disorder from their relatives in the pictures. And that is their strength. They remind us how easily we judge by outward signs, and how little we often know about the inner worlds of others,” Vítovcová added.

According to the faculty, long-term cooperation with the civic association ProCit is highly valuable. “The cooperation is firmly embedded in our teaching and permeates the preparation of future teachers as well as special educators. Our students thus gain absolutely crucial experience for working with children with autism spectrum disorder,” Dean Mentlík added.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined as a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how an individual communicates, perceives the world, and builds social relationships. Children with ASD often need an individual approach, patience, and support in managing everyday situations.