In recent years, the number of children with generalized development disorders, as in Autism syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other specific deviations, has increased. It is well-known that a big part of the children with Autism have difficulty communicating with other people, many of them do not develop the ability to speak and this deprives them of the possibility to find their way in the environment, adapt and have an independent life. While 10-15 years ago statistics showed that every 2-5 in 10 000 children have Autism problems, at present this number is under 1 in 100 born alive. Early diagnostics before age three, as well as timely rehabilitation are of vital importance for development and integration of these children. At the same time, there are no adequate conditions in the country making that possible: there are no qualified specialists, the parents, being uninformed, seek help too late, the relevant social services available for the families are extremely limited – such are available only in Sofia, Varna and Plovdiv and only 2 of them are delegated state activity.

This motivated us to develop a new pogram to “Alternative” Family Centre to provide the needed specialized skills of the team and the material base necessary for work with children with generalized development disorders and Autism, in particular, and their parents, as well as to promote this good practice in the Stara Zagora region.

A comprehensive program for work with children with Autism syndrome and Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and their parents was developed and implemented successfully under the project.

A series of 10 specialized theoretical and practical trainings were carried out with the team of “Alternative” Centre and experts from partner social service organizations from Stara Zagora and the region. The lecturers were university lecturers and experts with extensive experience in working with children with GDD and the trainings focused on early diagnostics, contemporary approaches to therapy (Montessori-therapy, A.B.А-analysis; PECS, TEACH), foundations of planning and organization of work with such children and their parents, application of contemporary educational and development specialized materials, restriction of discriminatory practices and development of a supportive environment.

The multi-disciplinary team of “Alternative” family centre developed a specialized methodology and worked successfully with children with Autism syndrome and ADHD from Stara Zagora and 3 other settlements from the region. A needs analysis and assessment of the possibilities was carried out for each child, an individual development plan was developed and therapy was carried out by a psychologist, special pedagogue or art therapist, using specialized educational and therapeutical aids purchased under the project. Trakia University trained at “Alternative” Centre also participated in the team.

An important component of the project was raising the awareness of the local community about children with Autism and enhancing its responsiveness and involvement to the development and integration of children with special educational needs. A specialized expert study in Stara Zagora region and a public discussion in partnership with Stara Zagora municipality were carried out focusing on the problems and the proposals for more effective regional and national policy for work with this group of children. The analysis report was provided to the interested institutions and its results were taken into account in the development of a Regional strategy for development of social services. The Municipal Council adopted a decision, proposing the development of the service as delegated state activity and a building was granted for use by “Alternative” Centre for a period of 5 years.

The activities under this project gave the exclusive opportunity to 30 specialists, working with children with disorders in the region of Stara Zagora to acquire specialized knowledge, information, and skills in compliance with modern European practices, supporting them henceforth in their work with a difficult group of children – the ones with generalized developed disorders. “Alternative” Family centre popularized and approbated a new social service - time-work care for children with Autism and hyperactivity with attention deficit as well as supporting their parents. The created material base, the good national and international practices studied, the rich practical experience gained by the team of the Centre in working with more than 20 children and their parents, provide the basis for provision of a stable social service.

The project also created a very good opportunity for raising public awareness, empathy and supporting the children with special educational needs and their parents. The problems of these families became well - known for a large part of the local community thanks to the expert study carried out by means of inquiries and focus-groups in diverse towns of the region, the public discussion and media campaign on World Autism Awareness Day.

Relations with all institutions involved in working with children with special educational needs have been established and strengthened. This was demonstrated by the decision of the Municipal Council to grant a building for use by “Alternative” Centre and the proposal for provision of the service as delegated state activity

This will strengthen the network of centers providing social services for children with Autism, thus improving the quality of their life and the possibilities for their development and integration.

Contact information

110 Dimitar Naumov Str., Stara Zagora 6000, Bulgaria

Tel.: ++359 42 647 119

alternative55@abv.bg

www.alternative55.hit.bg