Cuban eastern province boosts programs to care for autistic children

HOLGUIN, Cuba, Apr 2 (ACN) The Haydee Santamaria Cuadrado special school in the eastern province of Holguin is one of the three existing in Cuba for the follow-up of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and which promotes programs for the benefit of this population group.

The center, located in the modern area of the city, has a multidisciplinary team and the tools to promote social inclusion through talks and didactic materials adapted to the characteristics of each child.

Yamila Garrido, Special Education methodologist, stressed to the Cuban News Agency that family orientation is a key aspect within these programs and the continuity of educational processes at home, which allows for a greater evolution of the student's communicative skills.

She specified that this institution, with a capacity for 200 students, includes cultural and sports activities adapted to the characteristics of each patient, focused on greater socialization with the environment.

There are also painting and literature workshops, as part of the extracurricular activities, where parents and grandparents are involved, with the support of professionals in Defectology and other areas of medical sciences.

The Autism Spectrum Disorder groups developmental disabilities caused by differences in the brain, which often cause problems with communication, interaction and restrictive or repetitive behaviors or interests and in the country there are specialized schools for their attention in Havana, Santiago de Cuba and Holguin.

This eastern province has more than 20,000 people with intellectual disabilities, with a follow-up by the health system through primary and secondary care projects, aimed at their comprehensive rehabilitation, a sign of respect for human rights and social equality in the country since January 1959.