A resource centre for children with autism spectrum disorders has opened at the regional centre for correctional and developmental education and rehabilitation in Vitebsk. This was reported to a BELTA correspondent by the director of this educational institution, Marine Fedorova.
The centre has accumulated a methodological base for this line of work, the necessary equipment, and professional specialists who conduct correctional classes with children, and provide consultative assistance to their parents and educators of educational institutions in the region where children with autistic disorders are educated.
Currently, the centre is attended by over 20 children from Vitebsk and Vitebsk district. An individual program has been developed for each of them, taking into account the child's specific needs, aimed at socialisation, improving communication skills, and for preschoolers, preparing them for school. Club meetings are held for parents, during which they can meet and discuss their experiences and support each other.
"The centre's assistance is in demand: there are currently 120 children in the region suffering from autism spectrum disorders. In addition, there is a part of children under observation whose diagnosis has not yet been established," emphasised Marine Fedorova.
The implementation of this project is carried out with the support of the education department of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee using budget funds. "However, it is still at the beginning of its journey: in the plans for the near future, it is intended to allocate a separate premises for the centre, strengthen its material and technical base, and expand the staff," she added.