Support for Children with Autism in Tajikistan

The summer was off to an exciting start with children and families from IRODA participating in the first formal children’s conference devoted to disability issues in Tajikistan.  IRODA is part of a national coalition of parents of children with disabilities. With the support of UNICEF and the Hyatt Regency in Dushanbe, the coalition organized this opportunity for children with disabilities, their siblings, and friends to come together and share about themselves, their dreams, achievements, and challenges.  The conference gave a strong message about the equal rights of all children and the common bonds that can exist despite differences.   IRODA is committed to seeing children with Autism valued and accepted within Tajik society and events such as these are a wonderful way for new and positive messages to be portrayed. 

 Also this summer, IRODA joined with another parent-led organization to host a summer camp - the first time that the children with Autism have had the opportunity to attend such a camp in Tajikistan.  The participating families went to a beautiful area outside the city where they could enjoy the fresh air, slightly cooler weather, and lots of new experiences together.  The camp gave the children with Autism the opportunity to take part in summer activities like other children around them – swimming, games, art, camping and sharing meals.    

 IRODA continues to proactively seek opportunities for children with Autism to participate fully in family and community life.   Already this summer these two events have been wonderful ways to promote this goal.  Thank you for your support of IRODA’s work and for being part of providing new and exciting opportunities like these for children with Autism in Tajikistan.