Centre for children with autism to be opened in Mykolaiv: there are already 100 applicants

A centre for children with autism will be opened in Mykolaiv. Illustrative photo: NikVesti

A specialised centre for children with autism spectrum disorders is to be opened in Mykolaiv. It is planned to be launched by 1 September in cooperation with philanthropists.

This was announced during a briefing on 23 May by Deputy Mayor Anatolii Petrov, according to NikVesti.

According to him, more than 500 children have been diagnosed with autism in the city, but some parents do not recognise this condition, which makes it difficult to correct it.

«Today, the issue of the medical sector, in particular, working with children with autism, is an acute one. We have conducted an analysis: there are currently more than 500 children in Mykolaiv with a diagnosis. But many parents do not recognise this, they say: «Everything is fine». And this is a problem. We cooperate with the charity organisation «For the Future of Ukraine», and we already have one location — I won't name it yet, but we will invite you to the opening. We plan to open a large centre by 1 September,» said Anatolii Petrov.

Currently, the Department of Social Protection is already compiling lists of applicants: there are more than 100 children whose parents have confirmed their participation. The centre will prepare kids for school and will also work with children aged 0 to 3, as this is the age when the most effective correction is possible.

«The main task of the centre is to prepare them for admission to an educational institution. You know, children with autism are not a disaster. They are just people who perceive, see and feel the world differently. With the right methodology, they successfully go to the first grade, graduate from school, and often these children grow up to be outstanding personalities. Newton was autistic — and he was not the only one. That is why early intervention is so important today. We are training staff and will open a centre to identify nosologies in children aged zero to three years. Why? Because it is at this age that effective correction is possible. And at the age of 5-6, it is too late,» added Anatolii Petrov.

The project is being implemented jointly with a charity: it will provide salaries and equipment, while the city authorities will provide premises, utilities and part of the staff. The city is currently looking for specialists for the future centre.

As a reminder, Mykolaiv is also preparing to set up a new geriatric centre for the elderly.