BDPU Debate for World Autism Awareness Day

Students of the “Special Education” specialty of Berdyansk StatePedagogical University joined the debate dedicated to World Autism Awareness Day. The event was held at the initiative of the BDPU debate club, which invited a team of students from the Department of Applied Psychology and Speech Therapy to participate in a professional discussion.

The topic of the debate “Is the modern education system ready to work with children with autism spectrum disorders?” became a meaningful basis for the discussion. Our team acted as a refutation, clearly and convincingly defending its position. For the participants, it was not just participation in the competition, but an opportunity to more deeply understand professional values, update knowledge and outline their own vision of the development of modern education.

The team included Kateryna Surelo (4th year), Anna Sukhorukova (3rd year), as well as master’s students Tetyana Kryvenko and Kateryna Dubovik. The participants demonstrated thorough preparation, the ability to think critically, defend their position with arguments, and conduct a constructive dialogue, based on modern scientific approaches and practical experience.

The team was organized and trained by Daryna Lytvychenko, a senior lecturer at the Department of Applied Psychology and Speech Therapy, who acted as a mentor and coordinator of the applicants’ participation in the debates. Olena Starynska, the head of the Department of Applied Psychology and Speech Therapy, joined the debate jury, which allowed for a professional assessment of the debaters’ positions.

The team’s speeches were distinguished by their logic, content, and sincere involvement in discussing the problems of inclusive education. The participants not only argued their own position, but also demonstrated a deep understanding of the needs of children with autism spectrum disorders, emphasizing the need to create a safe, supportive, and professionally organized educational environment.

The debates became an important experience of professional growth, contributed to the development of communicative competences, the ability to work in a team and the formation of an active civic position. The atmosphere of support from the audience gave the participants confidence and motivation, turning the event into a space of inspiration and unity.

Participation in such initiatives once again proves: future specialists in special education are an active, responsible and value-oriented community that is ready not only to talk about changes, but also to become their driving force. We thank the Debate Club of the BDPU for the invitation.

Based on materials from the Department of Applied Psychology and Speech Therapy