Goris Autism Center
Description
As stated by the World Health organization, it is estimated that worldwide about 1 in 100 children have autism. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition, which involves challenges with socialization, narrow interests and repetitive behavior. Autism is a spectrum because it manifests itself differently in everyone, resulting in varying levels of needed support. This means that although on average children can be diagnosed between the ages of 2-3; some children can be diagnosed as young as 18 months while others may not receive a diagnosis until well into adulthood. Additionally, boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed than girls.
The cause of ASD has not yet been identified; however, modern science indicates that genetics and environmental factors play a significant role. Some people strongly believe that ASD is a disease. However, a disease typically has a known cause (such as bacteria or viruses), ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and is not something that can be cured, rather be managed and supported. ASD occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.
Diagnosing ASD usually involves multiple processes: developmental monitoring, screening, and comprehensive diagnostic evaluations. Instead of self-diagnosing your child, asking for advice from relatives, or hoping your child will grow out of certain behaviors, it is crucial to seek medical advice and intervene as early as possible. The sooner the parents find out about the diagnosis, the better the developmental outcome will be. Pediatricians typically assess children’s developmental progress during routine well-child visits at 18 and 24 months, even if no symptoms are evident. These assessments involve observing the child and discussing family history.
One of the most common treatments is behavioral therapy. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a research and evidence-based therapy that looks to improved children with ASD’s social, communication, and learning skills through positive reinforcement. It can additionally support greater independence for activities of daily living such as eating, getting dressed, going to the toilet, bathing, etc. Additionally, there are some other interventions which can also be effective such as speech-language therapy (helps individuals with ASD to improve both verbal and non-verbal communication), physical therapy (help with movement and balance, enhancing motor skills and overall physical coordination), occupational therapy (helps with fine motor skills such as utensil eating and writing) and much more. Some children may need access to all these therapies and more, while others will benefit from only one or a few. Each child’s circumstance will vary depending on where they are on the spectrum. Â
The municipality of Goris stands ready to assist and partner in this important effort for the children of Goris.Â
Region
City / Village
Start Date
End Date
The Need
In the communities of Goris and surrounding villages, children with autism do not receive any specialized services or therapy because a specialized autism center does not exist. Â Once this center is funded and open, local therapists will receive specialized training to offer a full array of therapy for the more than 200 children with autism in the area.Â
Short Term Impact
In the short term, a facility will be purchased and expanded to serve as the autism center. Â This will create a modest boost in the local economy as all labor and materials will be purchased locally. Â Therapists will also receive specialized training and be prepared to begin working at the center with these children.
Long Term Impact
In the long term, children with autism will receive the needed therapy and support they need to live their lives to the fullest. Â Families will be given the tools they need to facilitate better support for their children.
Sponsors Benefits
All sponsors of this important project will be listed on The Paros Foundation’s website and in all press related to this project. Visits to the center  can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.
StarHill Associates
United StatesAjemian Foundation
Troy, MI