On 30 March, Commissioner for Human Rights in Sverdlovsk Region Tatiana Merzlyakova spoke at a press conference timed to World Autism Awareness Day.

Commissioner for Children’s Rights in Sverdlovsk Region Igor Morokov, representatives of the regional Ministry of Social Policy, Ministry of Healthcare, and Administration of the City of Ekaterinburg, as well as public organisations took part in the meeting.

The participants discussed pressing problems of the social status and the life route of a person suffering from autism. They also touched upon the early diagnostic issues, specifics of such children’s development and their communication with people.

Tatiana Merzlyakova said that since 2016 Sverdlovsk Region has successfully introduced a support program in the framework of which mature people with special developmental needs are assisted by attendants while living in apartments or cottages. Dorida, Special People, The Open City, I Am Special, Pelican and other regional public organisations take part in the project.

According to the regional ombudsperson, attendants can assist the ward both 24/7 or a part of a day.

In the end a series of events aimed at raising public awareness about the problem of autism was announced by President of The Special People Association. Volunteers and parents will distribute leaflets informing people of how to behave close to a person suffering from autism.

Adapted from the Press Service of the Commissioner for Human Rights in Sverdlovsk Region