More information
Description
In five poviats in the Kutno region, 141 children aged 4-12, and 49 young people aged 13-19 (according to figures we collected in government authorities) have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The project addresses the need for access to therapy services for this group and the problem of low awareness of ASD in the local community. These are particularly relevant given the increasing number of children with ASD and the growing interest in the self-advocacy movement. These needs are confirmed by our interviews with 40 parents of children with ASD.Under the project, a self-advocacy movement will be created and expanded in the Kutno region.We will provide training in practical community skills for three groups of children with ASD (aged 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12). For two older groups (12-15 and 16 – until school leaving age), we propose activities within the Informed Youth Club (Klub Świadomej Młodzieży): seven self-development workshops, five meetings with active self-advocates who operate in other cities, four meetings with representatives of local government authorities or public institutions, three field trips to locations created by self-advocates, and 44 meetings (discussions, workshops to develop interests and practical skills). We will provide psychological counselling for members of the Klub, and their carers, and invite parents to five meetings with a self-advocate movement activist. We will also train a team of employees (12 people) in self-advocacy. We will summarize the measures at a conference to which the media will be invited.The project will provide support for 18 young people with ASD and 12 carers. We will provide coaching for six self-advocates to ready them for action. Carers and a minimum of 50 attendees of the conference will develop their knowledge of self-advocacy and methods of providing support for children.
Summary of project results
The project addresses the problem of insufficient support for children and adolescents on the autism spectrum (ASD). Within the 5 counties of the Kutno region, 141 children aged 4-12 years and 49 teenagers aged 13-19 years have an autism spectrum diagnosis. The offer of help for children and adolescents with ASD and their families is modest and does not respond to numerous needs, especially therapeutic support is lacking. At the same time, the level of public awareness of the autism spectrum is very low. There are many young people in the county who have not been diagnosed due to low knowledge of the autism spectrum and commonly held stereotypes about it. The project initiated a self-advocacy movement in the Kutno area. Practical social skills training was conducted for three groups of children with ASD. Young people took part in diagnostic workshops and then in dozens of different activities in the Conscious Youth Club: self-advocacy workshops (e.g. on public speaking, aiming, creativity, innovation), meetings with active selfadvocates active in other cities, meetings with local authorities, integration trips. Club members and their families benefited from psychological counselling. Parents also attended several meetings with activists with ASD. The project was an important addition to the available support for children and young people on the autism spectrum and their families. The children who took part in the social skills training improved their communication and social competences, developed awareness of themselves, their skills and abilities, and were keen to discuss their diagnosis, the difficulties arising from it, but also their potential. The young people who participated in the Club meetings raised their self-esteem, established relationships with other Club members, developed self-knowledge and prepared themselves for the role of self-advocates. The young people also undertook local self-advocacy work - they spoke to the authorities about their needs, and in one school led to the abolition of disruptive loud bells.
.
.