Autism is a developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn and behave. Children are often diagnozed with autism before the age of 3. Autism is diagnosed by the behavioral symptoms of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) shown during this period. It is estimated that older children, teens and adults do not develop autism. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 100 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder around the world. However, there are no statistics for children and adults facing such challenges in Bulgaria. Moreover, there are not enough places where these people can seek some form of care and support in a calm and safe environment.

The creation of a day centre for people with autism spectrum disorders aged 5 to 35 in Slatina residential district in Sofia is a cause for Milena Kancheva, Coordinator of the civil movement "Support to People with Developmental Disabilities", because her son was also diagnosed with autism. The woman admits that they underwent a lot of tests in the course of 6 years until they learned about it. That is why she completely understands the parents' pain and fear when they hear the specialists' life-changing conclusion:

"Anxiety among parents of children with autism spectrum disorders is much greater than anxiety among parents of children with other disabilities, because their path is not clear. It is therefore very important not to blame themselves, to calm down and accept the thought that they will have a unique child all their lives, and then a unique adult. They must not abandon the established therapies with psychologist, therapist and occupational therapist. Only then should they seek alternative methods".

As regards the care of people with similar diagnoses over the past 30 years, Milena Kancheva is adamant:

“It's changing for the better, because parents now feel more comfortable to talk about autism. Earlier, the illness was severely stigmatized and most families preferred not to talk or show their children. Unfortunately, nothing is happening at the desired pace.”

Communication between professionals and these individuals is extremely important for their socialization and adaptation to the surrounding world and society. It will be part of the therapy at Villa AutisticA.

“It is very difficult for them to understand what they feel, what people's emotions are. They need more time to comprehend it - explains Milena Kancheva. - But are we succeeding in making society accept people with certain differences? We strive to develop empathy through art, personal example and by showing people what children and young people can do, which is a mutually beneficial process.”

Milena expressed hopes that a social enterprise will start functioning as part of the day-care center. They also hope to find mentors to help them realize their potential in other areas outside the center.

Until this happens, however, the house which was provided by the Sofia Municipality for free use for a period of 10 years, needs a major renovation. For the purpose, the organization raises funds through various workshops and other initiatives. 

Volunteers from a private company supported them with a donation and helped them clean up the abandoned property. Milena hopes that other companies would also hear their appeal and help them renovate the house and install new vinyl windows.