The need for the government to collaborate with the scientific community and organizations representing individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, to create a network of services that promotes autonomy and social participation, was expressed by Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Tina Pavlou, in her opening remarks at the 3rd National Conference on Autism, held on Saturday in the auditorium of the Siakoleios Educational Center for Clinical Medicine at the University of Cyprusin Nicosia.
According to a press release from the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare, in her remarks at the conference—organized by the Deputy Ministry, the Department of Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, and the National Committee on Autism, Ms. Pavlou referred to the National Strategy and Action Plan for Autism 2024–2028, within the framework of which the Conference was organized, and she emphasized the importance of supporting the child and the entire family from the very early stages of diagnosis.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
According to the announcement, the first thematic session presented the existing services, the challenges and prospects of early childhood intervention in Cyprus, with reference to the newest services established in recent years to support families, such as the “Akti” Family Intervention and Support Center for Autism and the Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders of the State Health Services Organization.
This was followed by a roundtable discussion on recognizing the early signs of autism and the collaboration of professionals from different disciplines in the assessment and support of the child.
It is also noted that the second session focused on the experiences of families, and it is added that parents of children on the autism spectrum spoke about the diagnostic process, the difficulties they faced immediately after the diagnosis, and the strategies that helped them.
According to the announcement, the session also included presentations on the early signs of autism that can be observed in movement and on the role of play in early intervention.
The conference featured speakers from Cyprus and Greece with expertise in autism and early childhood intervention.
Among the participants were representatives of all organizations representing individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, representatives of government agencies and scientific associations, as well as experts specializing in autism.
The conclusions of the Conference were presented by the Director General of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare.
Source: CNA
