2019

Rämä, Irene; Pirttimaa, Raija; Ojala, Terhi; Pesonen, Henri; Kontu, Elina

This chapter first provides a short description of the historical background and development of special education teacher training in Finland. The relationship between special education and teaching pupils with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is covered by chronologically presenting the main events, turning points, publications, and people that have had a significant effect on the education of pupils with ASD in Finland. This is followed by a description of the organization of teacher training, in general, and the particular characteristics of teaching pupils with ASD. In the context of ASD, it is essential to examine questions concerning the link between learning as social practice and the challenges of interaction manifested in learning difficulties. The chapter ends with a description of the continuing teacher education for special education teachers in Finland.