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Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex neurological disorder that lasts a lifetime and affects the development and behavior of the brain.
According to Autism-Europe, more than seven million people are on the autism spectrum in Europe and prevalence rates are increasing.
Autism affects more boys than girls – one girl is diagnosed for four boys – and this disorder can lead to stigma and discrimination due to difficulties with social interaction, trouble with children. learning, repetitive behaviors and sensory problems.
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While some people with autism can lead an independent life, others have severe disabilities that require lifelong care and support.
There are many unknowns in autism. Although there is no isolated cause, research suggests that the disease comes from a combination of genetic and environmental influences.
In addition, there is currently no clinical test of autism; instead, psychiatrists observe behavior and development in order to make a precise diagnosis.
Waiting lists for utilities with autism diagnoses can be very long, which can cause desperate parents, often struggling with behavioral problems in their child, to seek a private diagnosis.
"The future European strategy for people with disabilities is currently being consulted, it is essential that invisible disabilities, such as autism, are not forgotten and that no one is left behind" Aurélie Baranger, Director of Autism-Europe
Although moving to the private act can significantly reduce waiting times before starting the diagnostic process, it can also be extremely expensive. Yet many parents feel that they need answers, as well as solutions, to help their child as soon as possible.
A CERTAIN STIGMA
In 2015, the European Parliament adopted a written declaration on autism, calling on the European Union and its Member States to adopt a European strategy to support the accurate detection and diagnosis of autism in Europe. Europe, to promote evidence-based treatment and support, and to encourage research and prevalence studies.
Three and a half years later, what progress has the EU made in raising awareness of autism and protecting the rights of people with autism?
S & D Maltese MEP Miriam Dalli, who is one of the main supporters of the written statement, believes that autism is still stigmatized.
"What is important to me, I have been very active in raising awareness of autism, not only in Malta, my country of origin, but also at EU level. Despite the various awareness campaigns, there is still stigma and prejudice against autism, "she said.
"The pursuit of awareness and education at EU level should help to remove barriers and help others understand what it means to live with autism. The key message is that we look for each person's potential, unlock our capabilities, and promote an inclusive society. "
Mr Dalli explained that early diagnosis and support to families of people with autism are crucial and that access to quality education and training throughout life should be improved in the whole of the European Union for all people with autism.
"The key message is that we are looking for each person's potential, that we are unlocking our capabilities and promoting an inclusive society" Miriam Dalli MEP
"As part of the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020, special attention has been given to equality, participation, accessibility, employment, education and training, social protection and much more. However, difficulties remain due to slow progress in society. "
Dalli believes that the lack of independence and social inclusion of people with autism is a missed opportunity for both a more inclusive society and for the use of the exceptional skills of some people with disabilities. autism.
Speaking of the high unemployment rate of people with autism, she said, "I really believe that with the great skill brought to the minutia and the recognition of forms [that people with autism can have], opportunities lie in the Big Data environment of the digital revolution. "
SENSITIZING DEFICITS
Another campaigner for autism and colleague of the Maltese S & D group, Marlene Mizzi, agreed that much remained to be done at EU level to fill the gaps in awareness and social inclusion of people with autism.
"The causes of autism are still unknown and there is currently no cure. Nevertheless, early intervention and detection can significantly improve the lives of people with autism. Autism is by no means a condition to ignore. Unfortunately, because of misconceptions, the challenges that autistic people and their families face remain numerous. "
Mizzi believes that many people with autism are deprived of the right to enjoy life and participate actively in the life of the community, facing widespread discrimination and social exclusion.
Speaking of the written statement, of which she was one of the main drivers, Mizzi said: "The statement was for us the means to show our support and fight stigma and prejudice against people with autism. We wanted to be the wind of change, paving the way for pro-autism European policies that would help improve the quality of life for people with autism and their families. "
"On the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day, I would like to poignantly remind the EU and the Member States to take action on the Parliament's declaration on the issue of" Autism Awareness ". autism" Marlene Mizzi MEP
"Unfortunately, four years after the adoption of the declaration, the European Commission has not recognized our demands.There is no European strategy for autism and the initiatives taken so far. are far from ambitious, "she said.
"On the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day, I would like to call on the European Union and the Member States to take action on the Parliament's declaration. A future European strategy should take into account the specific needs of people with autism in terms of accessibility, badistance and early detection, and strive to implement specific measures for the full realization of rights of people with autism, "she added.
"A NEW DYNAMIC FOR AUTISM"
On the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, Autism-Europe, representing 90 member badociations from 38 countries, launches a new campaign calling for "A New Dynamic for Children". autism "all over Europe.
The campaign aims to promote a better understanding of autism and pave the way for European policies that address the urgent challenges faced by people with autism and their families.
Aurélie Baranger, director of Autism-Europe, said that as autism is a permanent handicap, all EU Member States face similar challenges. provide timely access to diagnosis, education, employment, housing and life support in the community.
"A holistic approach is needed to deal with autism. The response to the needs of autism, however, is very diverse in Europe, with some Member States achieving better results than others, "said Baranger, adding that" a scalable approach from the EU would contribute to reducing inequalities ".
Baranger said that, as Parliament "has long advocated for the rights of people with autism," Autism-Europe hopes to continue to count on the support and cooperation of future MEPs in the next legislature.
"We have therefore issued a manifesto calling on candidates to support measures to fully integrate people with autism into society and to promote the full implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. [UNCRPD] at the level of the EU and all its Member States where they are elected. "
"The EU can play a leading role in promoting inclusion and improving the quality of community support services in Europe and ending segregation, in particular by using the Structural and Social Funds. European investment. "
She said the EU could also promote adequate training for professionals from all sectors to develop understanding and effective support.
"The future European Disability Strategy is currently being consulted and it is essential that invisible disabilities, such as autism, are not forgotten and that no-one is left behind", she added.
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