April 2 – International Autism Awareness Day. DGASPC Gorj is preparing a series of activities

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Annually, on April 2, worldwide, the International Autism Awareness Day is marked, with the aim of dynamizing efforts to promote a better understanding of autism and to increase the level of information of the general public, regarding special needs of people with autism and their families. By marking this day, doctors aim to draw the attention, especially of parents, to this health problem, to the symptoms and manifestations of the disease, so that it can be detected early in children.

Autism is a severe developmental disorder, of a neurobiological nature, which can appear at birth or up to around the age of two. Autism is a behavioral syndrome characterized by difficulties in communication and language and is found in all types of families, regardless of status, environment, race, ethnicity, intellectual level, etc.

There is no drug treatment that can cure autism. Studies and the experience of international organizations show that early diagnosis, at the age of 18-36 months, specialized interventions and social integration increase by up to 47% the chances of people with autism to acquire skills for an independent life. The involvement of the family in the therapy is vital in the recovery of the autistic child, with continuous information and active participation in the therapy program being necessary.

On the occasion of International Autism Awareness Day, the General Directorate of Social Assistance and Child Protection (DGASPC) Gorj organizes a series of activities that aim to emphasize the need to improve the quality of life of people with autism, so that they can lead a fulfilled life, as integral part of society.

Under the slogan “Today I wear blue”, the Complex of Community Services for Children with Handicap (CSCCH) Târgu-Jiu, a social service subordinated to DGASPC GORJ, marks this day through multiple recreational and socialization activities, starting from the first hours of this day, when the little ones are trained in various games and competitions.

Accompanied by specialized staff, the children from CSCCH Târgu-Jiu also participate in building a large puzzle, after which they will move to the Central Park, where the “Autism Awareness March” will take place and blue balloons will be raised.

The awareness march will continue with the “Parade of costumes made of recyclable materials”, starting from the park towards the “Elvira Godeanu” Dramatic Theater, on the pedestrian area, until the Prefecture Square. On this occasion, leaflets on autism will be distributed, in order to inform and sensitize public opinion about this disease.

Allergist Simona Coleașa is also actively involved in all these actions, who, for some time, frequently spends good hours with the children from CSCCH Târgu-Jiu, interacting with them and participating in various educational-recreational activities, in which they are trained children.