The project aims to support and empower individuals with autism and their families by providing information about their rights and guidance on how to assert them through counseling. People on the autism spectrum and their families often encounter challenges in navigating essential processes, such as seeking exemptions from military service, enrolling in suitable educational settings, claiming benefits, and accessing therapies. Due to frequent legislative changes, the rights and benefits are not always clearly communicated, and guidelines may be unclear, adding additional stress to the existing challenges they face. The project seeks to offer personalized support to families through a dedicated support office. A social worker, trained in legislation and counseling, will assist families through personal appointments, utilizing various means to serve families across Greece.
Target Groups:
The target groups of the project include individuals with autism and their families. Additionally, Autism Organizations, Parent and Guardians Associations of children with autism. Finally, the general public is included through awareness-raising and information activities implemented within the framework of the project.
Activities:
- Establishment and operation of a Support Office offering personalized guidance, with 161 appointments conducted for 140 individuals, supported by a dedicated booking platform via sea.autismap.gr.
- Launch of a Q&A section on the website autismap.gr, addressing recurring issues raised during social work sessions to improve access to critical information.
- Implementation of a two-part research initiative involving 237 individuals and 27 organizations, assessing legislative gaps and the extent to which the rights of people with autism are respected.
- Drafting and submission of a comprehensive memorandum to national ministries, regional authorities, and municipalities, advocating for legislative improvements based on findings.
- Online inaugural and final public events (April 2024 and January 2025) reaching over 4,700 total views via Google Meet and social media livestreams.
- Enhanced collaboration between stakeholders and reinforced institutional awareness on the needs and rights of people with autism and their families.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.