After several years as the Director of the ASA Center and at the same time a developmental therapist for children with various developmental disorders, I felt it was necessary to establish a genuine association. This initiative was born as a response to the difficult reality faced by many Albanian families, who, due to economic conditions, cannot afford the costs of therapy for their children. During my work, I have met parents who face numerous challenges every day – from the inability to attend professional therapy, to the non-inclusion of their children in kindergarten or the community. They often shared with me their stories with pain, the doors that have been closed to them, and the feeling of loneliness in the face of such a great challenge. It was precisely this reality that pushed me to take a bigger step: to create a structure that not only offers therapy, but also becomes a voice for these children and support for their families. Autism does not only affect the child — it affects the entire family and the surrounding community. It is a difficult journey that requires continuous support, social inclusion and deep understanding.

The mission of the Autism Society of Albania is to create a comprehensive center:

– That provides professional therapy for children;

– That trains parents to follow and support children’s development on an ongoing basis;

– That builds bridges of cooperation and empathy in the community. We believe that only if all these areas are worked on simultaneously, the effect of therapy can be profound and long-lasting.