The aim of the project was to establish early detection of autism spectrum disorder in children from 18 months of age. International studies show that early treatment can significantly improve children's ability to communicate, build relationships, understand, and adapt. Among the most important goals is to raise awareness among pediatricians, families, and everyone else in contact with the child about the importance of early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
A working group of experts was set up to draw up a common health protocol for the early detection and treatment of children with an autism spectrum disorder. The protocol in very young children provides for the use of the M-CHAT model, which is one of the most advanced tools for detecting autism spectrum disorder internationally. In the context of the treatment, however, the protocol provides for the use of the ESDM method, which has been shown to be currently most effective in children from 18 months of age. To this end, the cross-border group attended a course on the ESDM method led by one of the most renowned American experts in the field. At the end of the course, experts received a license to treat children with autism spectrum disorder using the ESDM method. Two awareness-raising meetings were also organized for pediatricians and other professionals in the field.
In the Basaglia Park in Gorizia, we arranged spaces that the cross-border medical team uses to treat children with autism spectrum disorder according to the ESDM method. The spaces are used by both Slovenian and Italian experts for the treatment of Slovenian and Italian children from the EGTC GO area. As part of the arrangement of the premises, we also purchased teaching materials and aids, which are part of the treatment with the ESDM method.
The Salute-Zdravstvo project was financed by the Interreg Italy-Slovenia programme.
