The first National Conference on Autism was held on Saturday by the deputy ministry of social welfare during which 53 actions included in the National Strategy for Autism and the Action Plan 2024 – 2028 were outlined.

Deputy Welfare Minister Marilena Evangelou said the first National Strategy and Action Plan for Autism drawn up by the Christodoulides government in April is the starting point for an integrated support framework for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.

“For the first time we have a clear roadmap to comprehensively meet the range of needs of people with autism and address challenges, based on a holistic, coherent and science-based approach,” she said.

She said for the implementation of these measures the state is working in collaboration with civil society.

The aim, she added, “is to ensure that people with autism have, from childhood and throughout their adult lives, everything they need to develop, participate actively in society and enjoy unhindered fundamental freedoms in a safe environment.”