Support for children and young people on the autism spectrum requires coordinated institutional action and the development of cross-sector policies, participants in the national conference “Cross-Sector Cooperation in Support of Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders” agreed. The event was organized by the association “Autism Today”.
Institutional representatives and experts discussed better integration for children with developmental difficulties and pledged stronger support for their families.
In a congratulatory address, Vice President Iliana Iotova emphasized that people with autism are essential to society’s development and, in many cases, are its driving force. She noted that an increasing number of public figures with autism are changing attitudes by proving that people on the spectrum can achieve remarkable success and contribute unique perspectives. Changing social attitudes, she said, is an important step toward an ongoing national dialogue, which should not be limited to symbolic campaigns or specific dates.
Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policy Rumyana Petkova said her Ministry is investing in improving the quality of life for people with disabilities and their families, developing social services, and supporting early diagnosis and intervention. “Only through combined efforts between education, healthcare, social services, and civil society can we ensure comprehensive care and equal opportunities for every child,” she stressed in her address.
Education Ministry expert Stela Ivanova confirmed that efforts continue to facilitate adaptation and inclusion for children on the autism spectrum.
Gabriel Valkov, Chair of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, affirmed that issues concerning children and young people remain a legislative priority.
MP Yordanka Fandakova noted that “change comes slowly, especially in attitudes”, and said it was important for public figures to stand with organizations raising awareness about autism. She pointed out that Parliament has approved at first reading amendments to the Preschool and School Education Act to promote the inclusion of children with special educational needs, ensuring better cooperation between schools and social services.
Ombudsman representative Maya Vasileva said parents of children with disabilities have high expectations for those responsible for improving their quality of life. A message from Ombudsman Vladislava Delcheva emphasized the importance of uniting institutions, academia, professionals, and parents to build effective and sustainable solutions.
Ivayla Kassarova, Deputy Chair of the State Agency for Child Protection, noted that while inter-institutional cooperation has improved over the years, it still requires greater consistency.
Zornitsa Roussinova, Chair of the Economic and Social Council, said more people now understand the need to work together so that children with autism can live with peace and security. She stressed that the expertise of teachers, social workers, and healthcare professionals is key in guiding institutional policy.
UNICEF Bulgaria representative Christina de Bruin recalled that Bulgaria was one of the first countries to adopt the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. “We must ensure that no child is left behind – including those on the autism spectrum,” she said, adding that UNICEF continues to support the government at both national and regional levels.
Georgi Bogdanov of the National Network for Children underlined the importance of cross-sector cooperation, noting that “parents of children with autism were among the first civic activists to begin this major change.”
Actor Elena Petrova and TV host Niki Kunchev also voiced their support for the cause. Experts Say Support for Children with Autism Requires Cross-Sector Policies THE NEWS FROM BULGARIA – NEWS AGENCY 2009-2025 2025-10-20 12:05:00 Latest news World news Country news Most important news latest news most important latest of the day Justice Petar Nizamov Feathers Petar Nizamov- Feathers Justice bg iustitia.bg iustitia iusticia usticia investigation Burgas Bulgaria news news of the last hour news of the day news of today Bulgaria news The news from Bulgaria blitz news top news most important most commented latest news Boyko Borisov news weather coronavirus news news weather facebook youtube facebook instagram news today news of the last minutes news today today news news bg news leading news hot news bg news site for news all news news bg news of the last hour latest latest news bg news of today news today news today news of the last hour latest news today news bg news news 24 hours news vesti bg novini news world bird bg bivol bg bivol trud bg novini latest news today novinite bg news hello bulgaria political party coat of arms delyan peevski scandalous Bulgarian National Television Free Europe Television scandal exclusive live tv live right now tv tv online tv program bg live now tv news online tv online live court Burgas court Burgas district court Burgas court Burgas district court Burgas district court Burgas appellate court Burgas prosecutor Burgas prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev Prosecutor Geshev Tsatsarov Ministry of Internal Affairs Burgas ODMR Burgas ODPR Burgas police Burgas district police Burgas prosecutor Tsatsarov SGS cases Varna court chairman of the SGS court decisions on civil cases decisions on cases Plovdiv court decision of the court decisions cases Varna court criminal cases district district court decisions work in the court SGS chairman of the SGS judges Sofia court post judges Plovdiv court Plovdiv judges Plovdiv Supreme Court Inspectorate Supreme Court Supreme Judicial Council lawyer lawyer criminal cases lawyer civil cases lawyer marriage cases lawyer administrative criminal law criminal process civil law civil process administrative law constitutional law
