As families in Serbia observe World Autism Awareness Day, many highlight the ongoing difficulties they face in securing necessary support for their children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Seven-year-old Vanja, recently diagnosed with high-functioning autism, exemplifies the struggles of numerous families navigating healthcare and educational systems.

Vanja's daily routine involves trips to both a speech therapist and a specialist in developmental disorders, following his preschool activities.

While entering school is a moment of joy for many families, it also brings unique anxieties for parents of children with autism.

The journey toward a diagnosis is often long and arduous.

Experts indicate the complexity lies in the cautious approach of professionals to assign a permanent diagnosis based on initial observations coupled with the limited availability of facilities equipped with comprehensive diagnostic teams.

In Serbia, there is a shortage of appointments for therapies with necessary specialists, leading many families to incur out-of-pocket expenses for private services.

One mother, Stefana Milosavljević from Belgrade, reported having to fund these treatments herself, as public facilities offer only sparse appointments.

Despite the existence of a number of specialists, the deployment of professionals in mainstream education is limited, posing significant challenges for educators and students alike.

The additional hurdle of obtaining a personal assistant further complicates matters for families.

The waiting lists for personal assistants can extend to several years, and many professionals working in this role face poor working conditions, which contributes to high turnover rates.

Government data indicates that personal assistant services are available in only about 67% of local administrations, revealing a significant disparity in resources relative to the number of children requiring support.

This lack of systemic backing disproportionately impacts families, often forcing one parent to sacrifice employment to care for the child, a burden typically shouldered by mothers.

Stefana Milosavljević, previously employed in economics, has been out of work for nearly eight years due to her caregiving responsibilities.

Financial exhaustion is a recurrent theme among families.

Although social assistance is available, it remains scant, with maximum payments dependent upon specific diagnoses.

Families continue to advocate for a proposed Parent-Caregiver Law, which would provide one parent a monthly allowance equivalent to the minimum wage, in addition to social insurance contributions.

Currently, only a handful of municipalities have adopted such measures.

The challenges do not cease with educational transitions; many families fear for their children’s futures after schooling concludes.

The absence of adequate housing, employment opportunities, and structured leisure activities are pressing concerns.

With limited residential options in Serbia, families often face the daunting reality of caring for aging children who require ongoing support long into adulthood.

Two facilities exist to provide care for adults with autism, but both are reported to be overcrowded and lacking in proper conditions.

Ahead of World Autism Awareness Day, several protests are planned across major Serbian cities, aiming to draw attention to the rights of children with autism and the families that support them.

Stefana Milosavljević expressed deep concern over a perceived decline in societal empathy and support for these vulnerable populations.

Families across Serbia continue to navigate these challenges, calling for increased awareness and change to improve their circumstances.