Support for Children with Autism in Tajikistan

For 15 years, IRODA has been changing lives — one child, one family, and one opportunity at a time.

What began in 2011 as a small parent-led initiative has grown into a network of programs supporting children and young adults with autism and other disabilities across Tajikistan.

Today, IRODA provides early intervention, inclusive education, independent living skills training, family support, and employment opportunities.

As we celebrate this milestone, we are proud to share some of our progress in 2026, made possible by our dedicated team, the families we support, and people like you.

Early Intervention: Building Strong Foundations

During the first nine months of 2026, 215 children received early intervention services through IRODA.

Our staff worked with children and their families to develop communication, social interaction, and early learning skills.

We believe that early support, combined with active parental involvement, can make a lasting difference in a child’s development.

Learning Skills for Life

Through the programs ASpektr+, ADAPT, FreeDOM, and iTavono, we provided individualized support to 55 children with autism and other developmental disabilities.

This support has led to:

• 5 children transitioning from adapted educational programs into mainstream schools.
• 13 children completing an important stage of daily living skills training, gaining greater independence in eating, hygiene, and self-care.
• 7 new children joining our programs.

Every new skill is a step toward greater independence.

Friends House: Inclusion Through Employment

Our inclusive café, The Friends House, creates opportunities for young people with disabilities to develop professional skills and enter the workforce.

In 2026, 2 young people have secured employment, while 6 others continued vocational training in food preparation, customer service, and teamwork.

Through our "Catering with Purpose" initiative, we are also developing social enterprise activities that connect business with our mission of inclusion.

Supporting Families and Strengthening Professional Skills

Supporting parents and professionals is an essential part of our work.

In 2026, 15 specialists participated in our Autism Intensive training program, while 123 parents and professionals attended three educational events.

Through MamaSpace, mothers of children with disabilities continued to find opportunities to connect, share experiences, and receive emotional support.

Celebrating 15 Years of IRODA

In September 2026, we celebrated our 15th anniversary with a two-day inclusive summer camp at Rohati Lake.

Children and young adults from our programs, their parents, and our team came together for outdoor activities, games, shared meals, and friendship.

For many families, it was a special opportunity to relax, celebrate milestones, and experience the joy of belonging to a supportive community.

Fifteen years ago, IRODA began with a small group of parents who believed in a better future for their children. Today, that vision has grown into a community built on inclusion, friendship, and hope.

Our 15th anniversary was more than a celebration of the past. It was a celebration of inclusion, friendship, resilience, and the journey we continue together.

Looking Ahead: A Permanent Home for Inclusion

As we celebrate our 15th anniversary, we are also looking toward the future.

One of our most important priorities is Home of Hope — an initiative to secure permanent premises for our early intervention services and inclusive café.

 A permanent home will help us protect the continuity of our programs, expand opportunities for children and young adults, and build a more sustainable future for IRODA.

 Thank You for Being Part of Our Journey

 Every child who learns a new skill, every parent who finds support, and every young adult who takes a step toward independence reminds us why this work matters.

 Thank you for standing with IRODA and helping us turn small steps into life-changing opportunities.