Title:
TEACHING LEARNERS WITH AUTISM DURING THE TIME OF PANDEMIC

Authors:
Kristina Pamela Gay R. Caburnay, Rosalie B. Cabarubias, Lovelyn O. Perez, Gengen G. Padillo, Ramil P. Manguilimotan and Raymond C. Espina

Abstract:
Learners with autism are no exception to the new normal educational approach, as the education system has been disrupted due to the global outbreak of COVID-19. This qualitative phenomenological research was designed to investigate the experiences, challenges, and coping mechanisms that parents and teachers face when adopting modular distance learning for learners with autism. A purposive cluster sampling method was utilized to select the parents and teachers from the three different SPED centers in Cebu. The collected data were analyzed through thematic analysis, highlighting the diverse experiences, challenges, and strategies employed by parents of learners with autism and their special education teachers. The results showed that parents and teachers faced significant emotional and practical challenges in supporting children with autism, relying on modules, collaboration, and adaptive strategies to sustain learning and well-being. Despite connectivity, behavioral, and resource limitations, their resilience and creativity were crucial in overcoming these difficulties

Keywords:
Special Education, learners with autism, modular distance learning, COVID-19 pandemic, phenomenological research, Philippines

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37500/IJESSR.2025.8520

Date of Publication: 08-10-2025