Jornal de Leiria – Pombal is the first national “Autism Friendly” municipality

Pombal is the first “Autism Friendly” municipality at national level. This is a pilot project of good practices tested in the United Kingdom and Ireland and whose social impact will be measured by Universidade Lusófona.

This initiative is promoted by the PARA association – Support and Resource Project for Autism and will have as partners the National Rehabilitation Institute (INR) and the Municipality of Pombal.

The “Autism Friendly Council” banner aims at a set of initiatives, such as the promotion of mental health literacy, for example, prevalence, clinical characteristics, challenges faced by autistic people, training professionals from different areas to create, in their professional contexts , more welcoming environments adapted to the needs of people with autism, technical support for the adaptation of spaces and procedures, creation of a network of services/spaces adapted to welcome autistic people, through the placement of the “Autism-Friendly Council” seal, between others.

The initiative takes place within the scope of the National Strategy for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities 2021-2025 and designates a municipality committed to the awareness, acceptance and inclusion of people with autism, their families and caregivers.

It also contributes to achieving some of the goals of the SDGs – Sustainable Development Goals, stipulated in the United Nations Agenda for 2030, namely SDG1 – Health and well-being, SDG 3 – Quality Health, SDG10 – Reduce inequalities and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the implementation of the Objectives.

Pombal City Council approved its integration, as a social investor, in the “Autismo 360º” project, within the scope of community financing “Partnerships for Impact”, which aims to develop and implement a holistic approach to therapeutic intervention in autism, addressing three aspects : direct, specialized and scientifically valid intervention with the target audience (children/young people, including families), parental training with families and/or caregivers and the promotion of conscious and proactive positive development of the community.