Inclusion – step by step

We are currently seeing a high increase in the number of children with differences such as Asperger's syndrome, ADHD etc. Society is not ready to address their needs and so they fall out of the mainstream of education, employment and social life. The specifics of their differences and lack of inclusiveness in society make it difficult for them to access their needs. Insufficient understanding of these differences leads to bullying in schools, dropping out of the education (forced homeschooling or early school leaving), and families are at risk of poverty due to difficulties in educating their children. Teachers, professionals but also local government officials and public actors have lack of information and skills about the specific needs of these individuals and families. There are only a few workplaces in Slovakia that deal with the issue, while the exponential increase in the number of cases of these differences causes that they have insufficient capacity. If five children out of 500 had autism five years ago, today it is 1 child in 54 born. Diagnosis has been pending for more than a year, and therapies are almost inaccessible in most areas. The A Centrum has been providing education in this area for 5 years, has gained a good reputation and cooperates with most professional workplaces in Slovakia. The aim of the project is to create conditions for increasing the participation of young people and adults with Asperger's syndrome, autism and other differences in social life and to increase the availability of their rights in all areas of life. Through an educational program and awareness-raising activities, the project plans to develop the skills and attitudes of experts and staff of various types of institutions, aimed at inclusive communication and acceptance of differences. Education will be provided for parents to defend their children's rights.