HELP Autism is the largest NGO dedicated to the cause of autism in Romania. Our mission is to provide support to all children and young people with autism, as well as to their parents, throughout the entire therapeutic process - from assessment and diagnosis to therapy, from school integration to the transition into adult life - so that they can reach their full potential.

In its 16 years of activity, the Association has supported more than 3,600 children and young people diagnosed with autism through several evaluation and therapy centers. Currently, the organization operates 7 functional centers - 6 dedicated to early intervention and one for adolescents (Help Home).

National context:

1 in 31 children has an autism spectrum disorder. Statistical estimates conducted by Help Autism and other NGOs dedicated to this cause indicate that there are approximately 100,000 people with autism in Romania, and that each year an additional 2,000 children are diagnosed (according to National Institute of Statistics data), or approximately 5,000 newborns who will be diagnosed with ASD within the first three years of life. Their integration into the educational, economic, and social systems cannot occur without therapeutic intervention provided by a multidisciplinary team. Therapy for a child with autism involves 4 hours per day, between 3 and 5 days per week, may last between 2 and 5 years, and continues with professional support and counseling throughout life. The total cost of such a program—on average 5,000 lei per month—is currently covered in Romania by nonprofit organizations and families.

The service package offered by Help Autism is designed to support all the needs of children and young people diagnosed with ASD, as well as those of their parents, throughout the entire therapeutic process, as follows:

• Therapy, education, and life skills development services for children and young people with ASD
• Counseling for families with members diagnosed with autism, assistance in the diagnosis and therapeutic intervention process, social assistance, psychological counseling, therapy training courses, and fundraising workshops
• Education and training for parents, educators, and specialists through courses and workshops that teach methods and techniques for working with people with autism
• Diversity & inclusion initiatives to increase the employability of young people with ASD through the Help Hire program, which focuses on their integration into the workforce and the community
• Development of autonomy and independence for adolescents with ASD through the Help Home program
• Advocacy for the creation of an inclusive legislative framework and the promotion of the rights of people with ASD, increasing public awareness of autism, reducing societal stigma, and ensuring access to education, healthcare, and social services
• Research, statistics, and innovation - conducting research and centralizing national statistical data to obtain the most accurate picture possible of ASD cases in Romania and to improve intervention strategies and understanding of autism