INCLUDE: Supporting People with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Moldova

People in Need Moldova and SOS Autism have officially launched the INCLUDE: Integrating Neurodiverse Communities through Learning, Unity, Development, and Empowerment. This initiative will promote the inclusion of people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in education, healthcare, employment, and community life.

"We are pleased to continue this trusted partnership with the Ministry of Labor and SOS Autism. INCLUDE: this is an investment in people, in professionalising services, and in the right of every person to be an active part of the community,"

— Rafal Chibowski, Country Director, People in Need Moldova

Through an integrated approach, INCLUDE will strengthen institutional capacities and improve collaboration between the social, educational, and medical sectors to provide more accessible and effective services for people with ASD and their families.

"Our goal is to be closer to people with autism spectrum disorders and their families. We hope that parents will feel the tangible results of the project. The best part is that it provides free therapy for children and support for youth employment,"

— Aliona Dumitraș, Executive Director, SOS Autism

The project includes:

• Training over 400 professionals in social services, healthcare, and education, including family doctors, special education teachers, and social workers;

• Equipping 43 social services facilities (day centres, community mental health centres, and early intervention centres) and 5 resource centres for inclusive education with modern equipment and assistive devices;

• Developing a national methodological guide on diagnosis, behavioural management, and family support for people with ASD;

• Providing parental counselling and workshops for the personal development of children and youth with ASD;

• Organising career guidance and employment support, including employer training to reduce workplace discrimination;

• Conducting advocacy and capacity-building activities for NGOs in the FEDRA network to monitor and improve public policies relevant to inclusion.

Early Results: Training Specialists in the Field

The first activities launched under the project include training sessions for 35 special education teachers from territorial psycho-pedagogical assistance structures, conducted in partnership with the Republican Center for Psycho-Pedagogical Assistance. By the end of the year, participants will acquire advanced assessment and intervention skills for children with ASD, contributing to more personalised and effective educational support.

Additionally, FEDRA member organisations took part in a workshop dedicated to analysing and monitoring public policies. They learned to use the Theory of Change and data analysis to evaluate the impact of government programmes on children with special educational needs.

"This training contributes to the development of a more informed and engaged civil society, capable of actively participating in the monitoring and improvement of public policies relevant to people with autism spectrum disorders,"

— Natalia Țurcanu, Project Manager, People in Need Moldova

Partnership and Shared Commitment

The INCLUDE project directly contributes to the objectives of the RESTART Reform promoted by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, aimed at modernising and improving the efficiency of the social assistance system in the Republic of Moldova. Through a multisectoral and participatory approach, the initiative fosters a shift in mindset within public institutions and civil society, emphasising sustainability, responsibility, and collaboration.

This material was prepared under the project “INCLUDE: Integrating Neurodiverse Communities through Learning, Unity, Development, and Empowerment,” implemented by People in Need Moldova and SOS Autism, in partnership with the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, the Ministry of Education and Research, and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova, with financial support from the Czech Development Agency (CzechAid).