The issue of sending children with autism to Athalassa Hospital due to the lack of appropriate facilities was discussed on the morning news show Protoselido. Participants included the Deputy Chair of the Health Committee, Savvia Orphanidou, Health Committee member Marina Nikolaou, and the President of the Cyprus Autism Association, Tasoula Georgiadou.
Savvia Orphanidou noted that this issue has been discussed for many years, stating that “unfortunately, some children remain trapped in an environment where they do not fit and do not belong.”
She added, “As the Health Committee, we considered it appropriate to bring the issue of the ‘Bridge’ structure back for discussion.”
Policies need to align with UN conventions
Marina Nikolaou emphasised the need for state policies to align with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, highlighting the shortcomings of the current system. She stated, “We raised the issue of the state’s benefits policy, which penalizes progress. If a child shows improvement, the benefits for therapies and activities are reduced. In this country, progress is punished.”
Innovative solutions for autism support
Tasoula Georgiadou, President of the Cyprus Autism Association, intervened to stress, “Our goal as an association is to ensure no child ever goes to Athalassa Hospital again.” She elaborated on the association’s vision for a new, innovative structure, referred to as the ‘Bridge,’ which would serve as a specialised facility for children with intense behavioral challenges.
“The idea is to create a facility where children can receive the care they need from nurses and doctors. Simultaneously, we will continue with educational programs for adults, ensuring they have activities and training to avoid idleness,” she explained.
Proper support and intervention lead to progress
Finally, Georgiadou emphasized, “When children receive proper and daily education, early diagnosis, and intervention from a young age, they can grow, progress, attend school, and even secure employment.”
The discussion underscored the urgent need for systemic reform to ensure proper support and opportunities for children with autism in Cyprus.
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