UNICEF, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry and the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, is implementing a key initiative to build national capacity to support children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their inclusion in the education system.
From 10 to 14 June, experts from the St. Petersburg Institute of Early Intervention are conducting intensive trainings in Ashgabat. The training is being conducted for specialists from pilot kindergartens #14 and #160, as well as the interdisciplinary team of the new Health Rehabilitation Center. These trainings are part of the strategy to ensure continuous services for children with disabilities within the framework of the inclusive education approach in Turkmenistan.
The program focuses on the timely detection of ASD using modern screening tools and the development of individual development and education plans for young children with disabilities. Importantly, these children attend mainstream kindergartens, where trained specialists, together with the rehabilitation center team, provide them with ongoing support.
This partnership approach aims to create an effective cross-sectoral support model for children with disabilities and their families. The goal is to ensure that children receive continuous support throughout their inclusive education journey and that their families have enhanced opportunities to participate fully in society.
The initiative also contributes to strengthening the role of the Health and Rehabilitation Centre as a centre of excellence for the implementation of inclusive services and training of specialists at the national level.
