President Milanović Meets with Representatives of Autism Organizations

The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović received today in the Office of the President representatives of associations that promote the status and quality of living, and provide assistance to persons with autism spectrum disorder: the “Savez udruga za autizam Hrvatske” (Federation of Autism Associations Croatia) and the “Udruga za autizam – Zagreb” (Autism Association – Zagreb).

Representatives of the Federation of Autism Associations Croatia, president of the organization Lidija Penko and programme coordinator Nikola Tadić acquainted President Milanović with the Federation noting that it is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that acts in the area of autism on the entire territory of Croatia. In terms of their activities, they underlined advising, educating and providing support to families of persons with autism and representing the needs of children, youth and adults with autism.

Also in attendance at the meeting in the Office of the President were representatives of the Autism Association – Zagreb, namely Association president Igor Ružić, Association member Dina Mimica Urošević and outpatient in the Association’s Daily programme, an adolescent with autism spectrum disorder Lukas Urošević. The Autism Association – Zagreb is celebrating its 25^th anniversary this year, and is the first association for parents in the Republic of Croatia providing extra-institutional type of care for adults with autism spectrum disorder.

In this respect they noted that their programmes help prevent the institutionalization of persons with autism spectrum disorder. The Association implements its most important programmes whereby it strives to contribute to the process of deinstitutionalization, development and expansion of social service networks and improve their quality and accessibility to persons with autism spectrum disorder in the City of Zagreb and Zagreb County. Among others, they underlined the importance of their organized housing programme, which creates opportunities for adult care, and acquainted the President with the problem of funding for the continuation of their project.

Alongside President Milanović at the meeting was the Adviser to the President for Education Jadranka Žarković.

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Dario Andrišek