Νational Strategy And Action Plan for Autism

On April 10, 2024, the Council of Ministers approved the first National Strategy and Action Plan for Autism, marking the starting point for the creation of a comprehensive framework to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.

The National Strategy involves ministries, competent departments and services and involved bodies, with the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare as the coordinating body, and includes 53 actions that are developed in seven thematic pillars and extend to every stage of life of a person with autism.

The aim is to ensure that people with autism will have, from childhood and throughout their adult lives, everything they need to develop, actively participate in society and enjoy fundamental rights unhindered and in a safe environment, as defined by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

The thematic pillars include:

• Research and knowledge
• Detection, diagnosis and early intervention
• Health and therapeutic intervention
• Education
• Social protection and independent living
• Work
• Participation in leisure, culture, society