Expert Decries Activities of Untrained Special Needs Educators, Therapists

Daisy Esohe Jonathan is a certified Special Educator, Qualified Behaviour Analyst. She is also a dedicated researcher in education and social justice for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In an interview with journalists, she shared the proliferation of untrained people in special education and therapy.

“Persons with disabilities, especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities like autism spectrum disorders, constitute a vulnerable population deserving highly professional education and services,” Jonathan said in a press statement she shared with THISDAY.

Her concern stems from witnessing a surge of individuals flooding the field without adequate training, certification, or supervision.

According to the expert, the desperation of parents seeking structure and respite for their children, coupled with the absence of regulatory structures, has facilitated this concerning trend.

“Parents, often perplexed when identifying developmental challenges in their children, struggle to navigate the maze of potential solutions.

“Medical practitioners, in many cases, lack the tools and specialised training to diagnose and refer accurately,” she cautioned.

Consequently, Jonathan noted that parents unwittingly turn to untrained and uncertified professionals in their quest for help.

She further underscored the lack of parent education in recognising red flags, selecting the right professionals, and gauging progress.

The special education emphasised that the knowledge gap frequently leads parents to hop from one centre to another, inadvertently recruiting unqualified services.

“However, the consequences are far-reaching,” says Jonathan. “Not only does this practice waste valuable time that could be spent on early intervention, but it also exposes vulnerable individuals to the risk of abuse and unethical practices.”

When asked if her firsthand experience as a parent of a child with special needs fueled her advocacy, she took a stroll down memory lane.

Accordingly, she had sought to provide her son with the care and education he needed but struggled to find professionals who understood his unique needs.

Her experience sharpened her passion, although she insisted that passion alone isn’t sufficient.

Jonathan, therefore, urged parents who venture into this sector to acquire the necessary training and certifications.

She stressed the significance of evidence-based interventions, which are crucial for individuals with special needs where time is of the essence.

While she condemned the influx of non-evidence-based practices into the country, she warned against therapies and substances that promise miraculous cures for disorders without substantiated evidence.

She, therefore, advocated continuous parent education to differentiate between evidence-based and unproven therapies and supplements.

Jonathan’s commitment extends to her role in the Warrior Mums Africa Support group, an organization she founded over a decade ago.

With over 700 members from 17 countries, the group provides information, care, and support to mothers of children with various needs and abilities.

With a remarkable academic background, including three master’s degrees and ongoing PhD studies, Jonathan remains dedicated to building the capacity of others.

She operates Pleasant Places Schools and Pleasant Places Therapy Centers in Nigeria, offering consultations for schools, care centres, parents, and professionals in Africa and the United Kingdom.

Jonathan’s emphasis in recent years has shifted towards supporting professionals through the Pleasant Places Training Academy. She provides internationally recognised training in Applied Behaviour Analysis, Special Education, and tailored programs for therapists, teachers, and caregivers.

With “A growing number of individuals diagnosed with conditions like autism and ADHD,’ she called for a focus on well-planned and extensive training programs, rather than short seminars and conferences.

“Collaboration across disciplines and the development of a robust national framework for supporting diagnosed individuals and their families remain essential objectives,” she added.

She also hopes to see universities and colleges offer courses in disabilities, special education, and Applied Behaviour Analysis, leveraging the wealth of expertise and experiences already present to drive progress in this vital field.

Jonathan’s tireless dedication serves as a beacon of hope for the future of individuals with special needs and their families, emphasising the urgent need for professionalism and evidence-based practices in this critical sector.