An event on the topic 'Benefits of Early Diagnosis' was held on the initiative of the Ombudsman

In the frame of “World Autism Month”, on the initiative of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, jointly with the Azerbaijan Autism Association, a round table entitled “Benefits of Early Diagnosis” under the call for “It is Possible with Autism!” was held.

The event was attended by representatives of the Ombudsman Office, Social Services under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, and Sustainable and Operational Social Security (DOST) agencies, the Mental Health Center of the Ministry of Health, the Department of General Psychology of the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, the Departments of Organization of Social Work of the Azerbaijan University, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation "Regional Development" Public Union, and several other civil society organizations, as well as parents of children with ASD.

Greeting the participants, Mr. Elnur Mammadli, the Chairman of Azerbaijan Autism Association, during his opening speech, expressed his gratitude to the Ombudsman for the call for the active implementation of awareness campaign addressed to the general public by sharing hashtag # It is Possible with Autism! to support children with ASD, as well as for the joint organization of the event.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Mugalib Mahmudov, Head of the Legal Education Unit of the Ombudsman Office gave information on the Ombudsman’s Call for “It is Possible with Autism !” made on 2 April 2023, during World Autism Month and a booklet on the benefits of early diagnosis prepared on her initiative. It was noted that the booklet presented to the participants provides useful information on the benefits of early diagnosis, risk factors, early diagnostic symptoms of autism, initial steps and rules for the rehabilitation of autistic children, recommendations for parents, also emphasizing that autism (ASD) is not a disease, but a difference.

Responsible employees of state entities and educational institutions, representatives of the Azerbaijan Autism Association, Heydar Aliyev Foundation "Regional Development" PU, "Disabled Women's Society", "For Inclusive Society", "Angel" Support for Children in Need" Public Union, and parents, taking part in the event, shared their views on the topic and put forward suggestions about the current difficulties in the rehabilitation of children with ASD and their solutions.

Speaking at the end, Nigar Aghayeva, Head of the Child Rights Protection Unit  of the Ombudsman Office, spoke about the work carried out in the field of social and legal protection of children with ASD within the scope of the Ombudsman's large-scale activities in the field of protecting children's rights. It was specifically noted that the Ombudsman made proposals in her annual reports regarding the adoption of the law on state care for persons with ASD and the approval of the corresponding state program to effectively implement that law. 

At the meeting, which was held under the premise of mutual discussion, the participants' questions were answered.