Education Tajikistan Project #12427

Support for Children with Autism in Tajikistan

by IRODA 'Parents of Children with Autism Initiative'

Project Report | Mar 19, 2026
Creating space for connection

By Karen Purdie | Project Leader

To strengthen public awareness, peer support, and open dialogue about autism and neurodiversity, IRODA regularly hosts community events at Friends House, the café and social enterprise that IRODA has founded. These gatherings create a safe and welcoming space where parents, professionals, and community members can speak openly about real experiences of raising, supporting, and living alongside people with autism.

Two key formats of these events are Autism Friend’s Talks and Film Evenings, which combine storytelling, lived experience, and community dialogue.

IRODA recently hosted two film screenings exploring the experiences of individuals with developmental differences and their families. Each screening was followed by open, welcoming discussions, where participants were invited to reflect, share, and connect.

Across both the talks and film evenings, these conversations created space for thoughtful dialogue around themes such as sibling relationships, social inclusion, empathy, and family resilience. Guests engaged openly with one another, bringing a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences into the room.

Impact

These gatherings helped deepen the community’s understanding of the emotional realities faced by families raising children with disabilities. For many attendees, particularly those with limited prior exposure to autism, the experience fostered greater empathy and awareness.

They also strengthened the role of Friends House as a trusted community hub—one where people come together to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful conversations about inclusion.

Why These Events Matter

For many families raising children with autism, opportunities for open conversation and genuine community connection remain limited. Creating spaces where people feel safe to share, ask questions, and learn from one another is essential.

Events like Autism Friend’s Talks and the film screenings provide:

a safe and supportive environment for parents and families to share their experiences
opportunities for professionals and community members to learn directly from lived experience
increased public awareness and understanding of autism
stronger, more connected community support networks

These gatherings demonstrate the broader impact of inclusive spaces like Friends House. Beyond being a workplace for young people with disabilities, it is also a place where dialogue is encouraged, understanding is nurtured, and meaningful social change can begin.

Thank you for your ongoing support of IRODA’s work that is creating these spaces for understanding, connection and inclusion.

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Nov 19, 2025
"Steps together - Steps to communication"

By Karen Purdie | Project Leader

Steps together playgroup

Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, the IRODA Early Intervention Center has taken an important step forward in expanding high-quality services for young children with developmental needs. In October 2025, we proudly opened the new “Steps in Play and Communication” group, part of our broader Steps Together+ initiative.

Why This Program Matters

The earliest years of life are a critical window for learning. For children with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other developmental challenges, intentional interactions through play are the foundation for communication, social understanding, and emotional growth. Your partnerships enables us to support families to provide these opportunities and interactions in their child's early years.

How the Program Was Developed

Our team drew from internationally recognized early intervention models and completed specialized training in structured developmental play groups. Building on the successful approach we have implemented at IRODA since 2017, this new program allows us to reach more families with an evidence-based, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment.

What Children Gain

The play group offers young children a safe and joyful place to learn and grow. Through guided play, they begin to:

Build early social and communication skills
Prepare for kindergarten
Strengthen imagination and creative thinking
Understand social rules and daily routines
Play alongisde their peers.

Empowering Families

Parents participate directly in the sessions, learning practical strategies they can use at home. This approach provides support beyond the playgroup sessions and ensures that families feel understood, informed, and empowered every step of the way.

A Successful Beginning

The first sessions have already brought much encouragement with parents sharing of increased engagement, improved joint attention, and meaningful early communication from their children. The excitement and commitment of families reaffirm the importance of expanding programs like this across Tajikistan.

Because of your contributions, more children now have a place where play becomes a bridge to communication, friendship, and new possibilities.

Thank you for making this work possible.

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Jul 23, 2025
Sports Zone completed at iTavano Youth Center

By Karen Purdie | Project Leader

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