Support for Children with Autism in Tajikistan

As World Autism Awareness day was acknowledged on April 2^nd the IRODA staff in Tajikistan were once again making a concerted effort to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism in their country.   Since the organization’s beginning IRODA has been deliberate about both raising awareness of autism amongst the general public, and advocating for change in systems and policies. Two major events this month have highlighted how effectively IRODA is doing this.

With the support of the US Embassy in Dushanbe IRODA was able to work with a popular Tajik singer “Bakha 84” who released a song and video clip promoting the acceptance of children with different needs, and advocating for their rights to be part of family and community life in Tajikistan. In a country where institutionalization of children with special needs is still common the message of Bakha 84’s new release is an important one.

On the 5^th of April at the United Nations Information and Resource Centre in Dushanbe important discussions occurred and a resolution was drafted for the recognition of autism as a diagnosis in Tajikistan. To date the government register does not include autism, and children are unable to receive an official diagnosis. This creates confusion for families and delays in children receiving early intervention and appropriate supports.   This high level advocacy that IRODA is involved in is creating changes to systems in order to create everyday opportunities for children with autism and their families.

As IRODA continues exciting initiatives like these attitudes of people like neighbors, classmates and shop assistants will change, systems and policies will recognize the necessary supports, and as a result children with autism and their families will experience acceptance, understanding and new opportunities.

Thank you for being part of making these changes happen!

Since beginning it’s work IRODA has been committed to working with the Ministry of Health in Tajikistan to not only bring about change in the lives of individual children and families, but to also see changes in systems and services in Tajikistan.  In order to do this IRODA has formed partnerships both locally and internationally that have created opportunities for training within different sectors in Tajikistan.

In December IRODA was privileged to have a Neurologist from Australia visit.  IRODA worked with the Ministry of Health and through a US Embassy project to host a seminar for doctors at which Dr. Purdie was able to provide training on the management of seizures in children with autism and other individuals.    The seminar also provided the opportunity for IRODA to continue to build relationships with professionals working with the health system.  Important discussions were had on the need for early identification of autism and effective working relationships between doctors, families and service providers. 

IRODA is grateful for professionals from around the world who over the last 6 years have generously given their time and resources to bring about change in Tajikistan.  Significant changes have been made over these years in the lives of individuals, in societal attitudes, and within the health and education system in Tajikistan.  There continues to be much more to do however to see people with autism reaching their full potential as valued members of Tajik society.

Thank you for your partnership that is allowing this important work to continue.  

This summer in Tajikistan many of the children IRODA works with enjoyed time at the Aqua Park.  IRODA is always looking for new opportunities for children with autism to have fun alongside other children in the community.  A lack of public awareness about autism sometimes makes it hard for families to go on outings with their children.  However IRODA has found that going places as a group provides the support needed for children and families to try new things.

IRODA staff approached the Aqua Park earlier in the summer and organized regular days that they could come as a group to enjoy swimming and playing in the water.  Some lovely summer days were then spent with children and their parents making the most of the city’s Aqua Park.  The water not only provides a cool and relaxing place on a hot summer’s day but also a great place in which to learn new movement, communication, social and play skills.

Thank you for your support of IRODA’s work and being part of creating new and fun opportunities for children with autism in Tajikistan.   

IRODA was started by a group of parents who understand the challenges that can arise when parenting a child with autism.  Whenever possible IRODA looks for opportunities to support parents in this role.  Recently we were thankful to have a visiting medical professional from the UK who is also a parent of a child with autism himself.  He was able to meet with parents connected with IRODA and share from his own personal experience as well as his professional background.

Time spent discussing stress-management strategies and suggesting ways parents could help themselves and help each other was of great value.  IRODA hopes to continue to facilitate opportunities for parents to get the support they need while also reaching out to one another.  We are grateful for your partnership with IRODA that enables us to continue to find new ways to help children with autism and their parents in Tajikistan.  

April has become globally recognized as Autism Awareness Month. For the last 6 years IRODA has made a focused effort in the month of April to increase understanding of autism amongst the general public. Prior to IRODA beginning it’s work here there was very little knowledge of autism amongst the medical profession and it was difficult for people with autism and their families to find acceptance or understanding within Tajik society.

As well as undertaking public awareness campaigns IRODA has created opportunities for families and their children with autism to participate in activities together within the community. It can be difficult for families to do this on their own when they feel a lack of support or acceptance when out in public with their child. But together families and children with autism have had lots of new and positive experiences in the community.

This April a group of volunteers in Tajikistan initiated a bike ride through the city to raise awareness about autism and IRODA’s work. It has been exciting to see other groups within Tajik society coming alongside IRODA to help increase understanding and work towards changing societal attitudes.

Thank you for your support of IRODA’s work in Tajikistan that is promoting greater awareness of autism and creating new opportunities for children adn with families.