On April 2, World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated annually. This day has been established by the UN General Assembly since 2007.
Autism is a developmental disorder that manifests itself during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects brain functioning. Autism occurs in children regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic status. Autism is primarily characterized by unique features in terms of social interaction, difficulties in everyday communication and a non-standard way of processing information from the senses. The behavior of children with autism is also characterized by severe stereotyping - from repeated repetition of elementary movements (shaking hands or bouncing) to complex rituals, and often with the manifestation of destructiveness (aggression, self-harm, screaming).
Early diagnosis of autism and proper screening and therapy are vital for the continued growth and development of a person. For the treatment of children, individual psychological correction programs are used.
In Belarus, children with autism can attend integrated groups in kindergartens and study in integrated classes in schools. For families raising children with autism, the services of narrow specialists are provided at the Centers for Corrective Development Education and Rehabilitation (Ministry of Education), centers / offices for early intervention (Ministry of Health).
One of the educational institutions in Minsk, which educates children with autism, is the State Educational Institution “Special secondary school No. 18 of Minsk for children with severe speech impairment”.
On September 1, 2013, the Resource Center for the provision of comprehensive assistance to children with autistic disorders was opened at the secondary school No. 5 of Minsk. The main goal of opening this resource center is to disseminate effective pedagogical work experience aimed at solving the priority tasks of developing a special education system and providing corrective and pedagogical assistance to children with autism spectrum disorders. The activities of the center are aimed at creating an inclusive educational environment.
In addition, in Belarus, parent associations and public organizations that support families with children and young people with autism conduct their activities.
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According to statistics, today 1 out of 80 children has various characteristics from the autistic spectrum. This is an average score that varies significantly between studies. The causes of Autism spectrum disorders are still being investigated, among the main ones are called genetic and environmental, that is, heredity and environmental influences.
Recently, awareness of autism has grown in the world.
With the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015, the international community has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, accessible and sustainable development. Children with or without autism are primarily children. They need attention, care, public support and the creation of conditions for the development of their abilities and quality of life.
