The 1st Azerbaijan International Forum on “Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow of Autism” was held

On April 2 – World Autism Awareness Day, the 1st Azerbaijan International Forum titled “Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow of Autism” was held at Yeni Klinika.

The main goal of the forum, organized by “Bayraqdar” Public Union and “PediArt Child & Family Systems” LLC, was to increase awareness in the field of autism, strengthen the exchange of scientific knowledge and experience, and create an effective cooperation platform between specialists and parents.

The event was attended by Parvin Akbarov, Advisor to the Executive Director of TƏBİB, Deputy Director of Yeni Klinika, Head of the New Robotic Rehabilitation Center; Members of Parliament Jeyhun Mammadov and Malahat Ibrahimqizi; as well as local and international specialists and representatives of non-governmental organizations.

Speaking with an opening address, Parvin Akbarov emphasized that expanding awareness and early intervention measures in the field of autism is one of the priority areas of the healthcare system. He noted that thanks to the reforms carried out in healthcare and state support, access to diagnostic and rehabilitation services for children with autism has significantly expanded, and the application of modern approaches in this direction has accelerated.

Members of Parliament Jeyhun Mammadov and Malahat Ibrahimqizi drew attention to the importance of informing society about autism spectrum disorders, as well as strengthening legal and social support mechanisms in this field. They noted that the integration of children with autism into society is not only a medical but also a social issue, emphasizing the importance of joint action by the state and the public in this direction.

Within the framework of the forum, child and adolescent psychiatrist Adil Zorlu and child development expert Can Erdoğan, invited from Turkey, as well as local specialists – physician-nutritionist Ilaha Caniyeva, child development specialist Ulviyya Mirzayeva, occupational therapist Tami Lenart, and child and adolescent psychologist of Yeni Klinika Aytaj Guliyeva – delivered speeches, discussing the diagnosis of autism, early intervention methods, and modern approaches.

The speeches particularly highlighted the importance of early detection of autism spectrum disorders, the role of a multidisciplinary approach, and the necessity of developing individualized therapy plans. At the same time, the importance of educating parents and fostering a more sensitive approach from society in this area was noted.

The forum, consisting of three panels, also featured parents of children with autism from Turkey and Azerbaijan, who shared their personal experiences, providing information about the daily challenges they face and the results they have achieved.

At the same time, a representative of the “El El” association operating in Germany joined the event online, sharing her life story, experience with her child, and the difficulties she encountered with the participants. This approach further enriched the forum's content, making it not only scientific but also based on real-life experience.

Within the framework of the forum, information was also provided about the “Pediart PEM and Pediart One” systems, which incorporate a multidisciplinary approach. It was noted that these models promote a comprehensive approach to autism, highlighting the importance of individualized and integrative support in children's development.

During the forum, where extensive discussions took place among participants, opportunities for applying international experience in the field of autism in our country were discussed, and future cooperation prospects were evaluated.