Autism spectrum disorder is the most common developmental disorder and one of the costliest disorders that requires continuous specialized services in psychology, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Therefore, the expenses of families with autistic children due to the provision of these specialized services are much higher than those of families with children with other disabilities.
The State Welfare Organization, as the first organization to announce its presence to reduce the suffering and meet the needs of the families of these children, has taken steps forward, albeit insufficient, in cooperation with non-governmental centers for educational rehabilitation of autism spectrum disorders under the supervision of the organization, partner government organizations, non-governmental organizations, and experts who think and act in an effort to provide services to these loved ones. It will take more effective steps by seeking support from policymakers with the help of families and non-governmental organizations.
In 2024, through the activities of 148 day-long educational rehabilitation centers for autism spectrum disorders and integrated with autism spectrum disorders across the country, services were provided to over 5,000 children with the aforementioned disorder (16 percent of all children with disabilities covered). Since 37.1 percent of the organization's target population over the age of 14 are also individuals with autism, these loved ones have also been provided with the services of 412 vocational training centers and 138 supportive production workshops. On the other hand, specialized services in the form of 5 temporary residence centers and 103 home care centers have been provided in order to create a relatively calm environment and help reduce the psychological stress of the family and provide an opportunity for parents and caregivers of individuals with autism to take care of other life matters.
The Welfare Organization's Autism Screening Smart System, with the registration link: autism.behzisti.net, is a service designed to implement the screening, diagnosis, and intervention program for this disorder in the state welfare organization. This system enables families to conduct electronic and online screening tests and refer to the Welfare Organization's screening and diagnosis centers to receive diagnostic services, as well as to introduce them to benefit from specialized services in the form of daily rehabilitation and educational centers for active autism spectrum disorders throughout the country (under the supervision of the Welfare Organization), with the highest accuracy and the lowest time and cost. In 2024, the number of screening tests was 1,214, which has increased by about 9 percent compared to the same time last year. It should be noted that the number of cases that have received a definitive diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is also 948 children, which is an increase of 31.5% compared to the same time last year.
Considering the importance of playing the role of other responsible agencies towards people with autism, especially the full insurance of rehabilitation services for these loved ones, as well as the necessity of cooperation of other elements of society in empathy, companionship and cooperation with families with autism; this year, the Welfare Organization has chosen the slogan: "Supporting families of people with autism is a public duty" for this day and is regulating its policies and programs in this regard.
On behalf of all the hardworking and capable experts of the Welfare Organization and affiliated Autism Spectrum Disorder Educational Rehabilitation Centers, I would like to wish you a happy New Year with the hope of providing a range of quality services needed by families with children with autism spectrum disorders.
Happy World Autism Awareness Day (April 2, corresponding to Farvardin 13, 1404).
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