Education leaders in Ghana are being urged to make deliberate investments in the education system to accommodate the diverse cognitive abilities and learning styles of children with special needs.

Dr Charles Hammond, a paediatric neurologist at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, has revealed that children with special needs may require smaller class sizes, additional time, and specific resources to thrive.

In efforts to embrace neurodiversity and promote equitable access to education, Dr Hammond, alongside the Butterfly Wings Foundation, is advocating for integration and investment in these children, with a focus on structural educational support.

Children with special needs include those with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other learning or intellectual disabilities, which set them apart from children in mainstream education.

According to UNICEF, children with special needs are one of the most marginalized and excluded groups in society due to a lack of adequate policies and legislation.

However, Dr Hammond, a paediatric neurologist at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, explains that society can benefit from their unique talents and offer them tailored educational opportunities.

“These conditions classified as special needs are very critical. They learn differently. Some have mathematical or numerical skills, others have artistic abilities, while others excel in music. I know a child who is fantastic with calendars. These are special abilities,” he said.

“We should embrace these talents and factor them into the design of learning environments. This is why we focus on special needs education and learners with special needs. The goal is to integrate them into the mainstream curriculum and provide the critical support they need.”

Dr Hammond was speaking at an event to launch a fundraising initiative aimed at providing resources for children with special needs at Little Haven School in Kentinkrono, organized by the Butterfly Wings Foundation.

The fundraising event seeks support from philanthropists and the general public to assist with the education and care of children with special needs at Little Haven School.

The Butterfly Wings Foundation aims to promote inclusivity and focus attention on the needs of children with special needs, advocating for equitable access to education for all.

One-third of the pupils at Little Haven School have special needs.

Kate Kwakye Marfo, the proprietress of Little Haven School, stated that public support will foster neurodiversity, inclusiveness, and an enhanced experience for the children.

“Little Haven School has come this far with a unique setting, where about one-third of our children have special needs or are neurodiverse. We hope the future will be even brighter, with every child receiving an individual education plan that addresses their specific needs.

“The foundation's primary aim is to raise awareness and provide a support system. This networking and fundraising event will help support children with special needs and raise funds to improve the services we offer,” she said.