Help autistic orphans in Romania get an education

Dear Friends,

Life in Vaslui County, Romania is difficult for children with autism. But YOU have been able to to change the trajectory for children who are fortunate to receive guidance and individualized therapeutic services at Delia's Center for Special Needs Kids in Barlad. 

Let us tell you a little bit about two of these amazing kids who are representative of those we serve. Each child is at one end of our spectrum of ages and abilities. 

We'll start with our Teodora who recently turned 16 years-old and entered high school this past fall. Kids like Teodora usually are only able to attend school if a family member is by their side in each class. Teo is an exception! Our social worker, Carmen, had been working with Teo on socialization and gaining a better understanding of group dynamics so that when she transferred to high school, she could have a better experience. High school, with all of the transitions during the day, from class to class, can be challenging for any student. It is even more so, for those with autism. This was our goal for Teo but all of the encouragement she has received led her to take it a step further and pursue her dream of attending a high school program for students talented in music and art. AND, GUESS WHAT? Teo's was accepted to a specialized school where she has chosen to pursue music! We are so proud of her!  She is a role model for other children of what is possible.. and of course everyone loves it when she brings her guitar to play and sing. 

Little Stefan is now 4 years- old and in foster care. He is non-verbal and his only method of communicating is to cry incessantly or to cry and suddenly push himself off a chair so it appears that he has fallen. If Stefan lived elsewhere, he might be taught sign language or be provided with a personalized "book" of pictures where he and his foster parents can communciate through photos or pictures.  Stefan's foster family was at their wit's end and considered "returning" him as they had no support from government social services. Our team has been working with the foster parents so that they understand Stefan is not being "dramatic" and that he just doesn't know any way to communicate. We've been able to keep Stefan in a home environment while providing him with autism interventional therapy and speech and language therapy as well as early childhood education. We've also been able to assist Stefan in beginning to learn more positive behaviors. Thanks to one of our donors, we've been introduced to an expert in children with special needs who recently provided us with new tools and ideas that we are implementing including making our own version of communication pictures. Each small step is a big step in Stefan's life.

Teodora shared with us that she did not speak until she was 6 years old. Our hope is that with assisting Stefan early, he too will be able to attend school and have a future filled with options !

Our CEO, Laura Larkin, and I will be returning to Barlad next month and are excited to see the progress in person and to meet all of our new kids. We now have 41 children of varying needs. Some travel two hours plus round trip to get to our Delia's Center.  Thank you for your support which makes it all possible. 

We've grown so much and our Teen Program for Special Needs Kids is the only one in the region. The children are getting older and we want to be there every step of the way to prevent school drop out and talk about vocational options early. Please consider continuing to support our Autism Program. If you are not aware, we do have a monthly donation program available and, of course, welcome all additional single donations.

Thank you for being at our side!  For more photos and updates, please follow us on Instagram or Facebook:

Instagram: @ the_delia_foundation

Facebook: facebook.com/deliafoundation/

Gratefully yours,

Lauren Fishbach, U.S. Board President and Co-Founder, Delia's Center for Special Needs Kids

Links:

• The Delia Foundation Website