Description
In Romania, more and more children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Without therapeutic intervention they can't be recovered and then included into society. Also they need to be diagnosed earlier, between age of 1 and 4 years old, but because of deficiencies in our health system the diagnostic is late. The project aims to increase the access to the recovery centers for children with ASD, for a better integration in society, by developing therapeutic services auxiliary to the medical ones. The project is expected to increase the access of auxiliary services in mental health for 100 children and improve the quality and coordination of health services providers (training provided for 15 members of staff). The project develops a unique inter-sectorial partnership that can offer a good practice example at national level. The project will benefit children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families as well as professionals working in the field.
Summary of project results
There is an increasing number of children diagnosed with autism in Romania, while the number of qualified specialists is insufficient and the infrastructure for recovery does not allow early and continuous intervention for many of the diagnosed children. 14 psychotherapists and 2 kinetotherapists were trained within the project to provide services connected and complementary to the medical intervention. 142 children benefited of complex evaluation and 1:1 intervention, kinetotherapy, speech therapy, swim therapy. Psychological evaluation, along with medical evaluation, contributed to a more specific individual intervention plan and personalised services that increased chances for integration of the children with autism. Following the implementation of project activities, 71 children were enrolled in regular schools (44 of them being evaluated within the project). The children under 5 years old who are not enrolled in a form of education are attending complex therapy in order to maximise their potential. In addition to the therapists provided for children, the promoter organised training and counselling sessions for parents and also information activities targeting the general public.
Summary of bilateral results
The role of the IAA Partner was to support Help Autism Association in the good practices transfer and organizational know-how. The partner offered training / two day workshop for the project team members in providing therapeutic intervention aiming to increase chances for children integration in society. Following the workshop, new elements were included in the 1 to 1 therapeutic intervention process, as well as improvements at the organizational level.