Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
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Moscow supports people with autism spectrum disorder throughout their lives, from early diagnosis to rehabilitation. City agencies and non-profit organizations (NPOs) in the capital offer various forms of care depending on the age, interests, and capabilities of each Muscovite. On World Autism Awareness Day Department of Labor and Social Protection of the Population tells how Moscow helps special citizens develop communication, social, and everyday skills.
Communication and work with family
The primary goal of specialists at all stages of rehabilitation is to teach the child to interact with the world, communicate with others, and master everyday skills. Work almost always begins with building communication within the family. Parents don't know how to talk to their child or what methods to use, so specialists teach them alternative communication—communication without words. Illustrated cards, special sign systems, gestures, and colored markers are used for requests, responses, and other cues. By mastering communication skills, parents raising children with autism begin to see the world through their children's eyes and discover new facets of their personalities.
"Many children with autism spectrum disorder exhibit distinct individual abilities that can lay the foundation for future success. They have a strong mathematical memory and are prone to memorizing numbers, facts, and sequences. Others have highly developed visual perception—visual aids, diagrams, tables, and flashcards are more easily understood by these children than verbal instructions. Others exhibit a penchant for detail—attention to detail can be a strength when precision and accuracy are required. Some children exhibit remarkable talent in music, drawing, and other creative fields. Every child with autism spectrum disorder is unique. Even with similar characteristics, learning and rehabilitation strategies must be tailored individually. Supporting strengths and creating a comfortable environment are the key to successful adaptation and development," said Alexandra Sklyar, Deputy Director of the Troitsk Rehabilitation and Educational Center "Solnyshko."
The path to independence
Victoria is the mother of twin brothers Andrey and Sergey. Her sons are shining examples of how the right approach, care, and love can unlock the potential of children with special needs.
Until ninth grade, the boys studied at the Troitsky Rehabilitation and Educational Center "Solnyshko" (Sun) of the Moscow Department of Labor and Social Protection. There, they studied an adapted general education program and underwent comprehensive rehabilitation, including sessions with a speech therapist, a special education teacher, and a psychologist.
Victoria warmly and joyfully recounts how the Solnyshko center became a place for her family, where the children gained self-confidence, learned to interact with the world around them, and took important steps toward independent living. Today, the boys can make breakfast, pack their backpacks, and put things away. These skills are the result of years of systematic work with the support of a team of specialists. The twins have decided on their future professions and are enrolled in college.
From first steps to a favorite activity
Moscow's non-profit organizations complement and expand the city's support system with unique projects. Each initiative by the winners of the "Moscow – Kind City" grant competition aims to address important issues, from rehabilitation to education and employment.
The Mentor Center for Assistance to People with Disabilities is developing the "ComplexUm: Designing Progress" project for 20 children with autism. The classes utilize a variety of complementary interventions: defectological, speech, neurological, and physical therapy. Instead of standard academic hours, teachers use short periods of maximum engagement, switching the children to different types of activities to avoid overexertion.
"Specialists often work in isolation, so even the most relevant programs for children with special needs can slow their development. KompleksUm solves this problem: our team works together within a single lesson. This eliminates conflicting methods and allows us to maximize the time spent with children with autism. The project is also important for parents: when a team of professionals works with their child, anxiety levels are reduced. Upon completion of the course, each family receives a report and a program for further development," said Ekaterina Kuznetsova, director of the Mentor Center.
As people with mental and physical disabilities grow older, they face new challenges. The "Special Childhood" Expert and Methodological Center, winner of the "Moscow – a Kind City" grant competition, is implementing the "Your Own Key" initiative for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder.
One of the project participants, 17-year-old Gleb, struggled with social interactions and quickly became bored in group settings. It was important for him not only to develop self-care skills but also to learn to control his emotions and consider the interests of others. During the sessions, he learned how to create a shopping list, budget, pay for purchases, and communicate politely with others.
Socialization and adaptation to everyday life are followed by another important life stage: learning a profession. The Art of Being Nearby charitable foundation offers a comprehensive social and occupational adaptation system, "I'm Busy," for 70 people with autism. Inclusive workshops are available for teenagers, and adults undergo training at a specialized employment center.
Georgy, a participant in the "I'm Busy" project, learned to sew under the guidance of his mentors. He mastered simple stitches, practiced on small projects, and is now working on a patchwork quilt: selecting fabrics, combining colors, and sewing them on a sewing machine. In these classes, Georgy not only develops his motor skills and attention span but also expresses himself through creativity, gaining confidence in himself and his abilities.
The capital's social protection system includes eight rehabilitation and educational centers and 10 rehabilitation centers, where children and adults with disabilities undergo comprehensive rehabilitation. These institutions successfully utilize domestic developments to help people with special needs and those who have suffered severe injuries.
Program "Moscow is a kind city" The program has been implemented in the capital since 2019. It is an effective model of partnership between the city and the charitable sector to provide targeted assistance to every person. One of its key projects is a grant competition for socially oriented NGOs. Over seven years, 738 projects have received funding totaling 2.8 billion rubles.
As Sergei Sobyanin noted indevelopment strategy for the Moscow social security system until 2030The synergy between city services and NGOs allows us to provide support to the maximum number of residents in need.
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