Regional Expert Advocates for Establishment of Government Rehabilitation Center for Autistic Children
Title: The Rising Need for Autism Services in Tomsk: A Perspective from a Local Charity
In an exclusive interview with RIA Tomsk, the president of the local charity "Ordinary Miracle," Svetlana Grigoryeva, reveals a surge in requests from families with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She shares her concerns about the lack of a state-funded center for long-term, comprehensive rehabilitation for these children.
Grigoryeva explains that currently, only private organizations offer intensive, psycho-pedagogical rehabilitation for ASD patients. The cost of a treatment course starts at 100,000 rubles, and the program is customized to each child, including ABA therapy, sessions with a logopedist, and a defectologist. The charity, "Ordinary Miracle," is dedicated to raising funds for such causes.
"A decade ago, children with cerebral palsy and neurodevelopmental disorders were the most common cases we saw. Today, it's children with autism. In practice, children with ASD need a considerable amount of time to develop their skills - at least a year, and sometimes more. Therefore, it would be ideal if Tomsk had a state center for their rehabilitation, where they could attend free of charge for an extended period," Grigoryeva shares with RIA Tomsk.
Grigoryeva further explains that state rehabilitation centers are also essential for families who are willing to speak publicly about their child's autism but feel uncomfortable announcing fundraising efforts. Due to the high cost of treatments, many parents have to take out loans, sell their cars, and mortgage their homes.
While Tomsk doesn't currently have a state-funded center for long-term ASD rehabilitation, the Tomsk Clinical Psychiatric Hospital offers children with autism free ambulatory care. Additionally, help is provided in the context of around-the-clock (95 beds) and day (20 beds) wards, as well as a 40-bed day ward within the pediatric dispensary department.
Given the growing need for specialized ASD services in Tomsk, families may want to explore other options such as reaching out to local healthcare providers, educational institutions, or non-profit organizations for further information and support.
- The local charity "Ordinary Miracle" is actively trying to raise funds for autism services, recognizing a significant increase in requests from families with autistic children.
- Svetlana Grigoryeva, the charity's president, advocates for a state-funded center offering long-term, comprehensive rehabilitation for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- Grigoryeva emphasizes the importance of such a center for families struggling with the high costs of private rehabilitation programs, which can cost up to 100,000 rubles.
- In her interview with RIA Tomsk, Grigoryeva also mentioned the need for such a center to protect the privacy of families, who may feel embarrassed about fundraising for their child's autism care.
- The Tomsk Clinical Psychiatric Hospital currently offers free ambulatory care for children with autism, but a state-funded center would provide more extensive and long-term support.
- As the demand for ASD services in Tomsk continues to rise, families should consider reaching out to local healthcare providers, educational institutions, or non-profit organizations for additional information and assistance.
