About us
IRODA was founded in 2008 by a group of parents of children with autism in Tajikistan. In 2010, the organization began under the auspice of the Disabled Women's League (Ishtirok) to provide services for children and families. By August 2011, IRODA was registered in Tajikistan as a public charitable organization for children with autism and their families. For the last 5 years, IRODA has been pioneering work amongst children with autism in Tajikistan , for whom there has previously been no process of diagnosis, appropriate services or educational opportunities.
key values
- IRODA was founded by parents and continues to be a parent-driven organization that seeks to partner with professionals in the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) field to see that the needs of all people with ASD are realized and met.
- The involvement of families in all aspects of their child's learning and development is key to sustainable and effective progress. Therefore, a strong emphasis is placed on training and family-centered service provision.
- IRODA seeks to draw on knowledge and information provided through a range of interventions developed for working with children with ASD, and uses an eclectic approach rather than advocating for one particular model of intervention.
- The rights of all people to be included as valued members of society drives IRODA to advocate for both legislation and community attitudes that will support people with ASD to be fully included within their local communities. IRODA aims for all it's activities to be community based and seeks to cooperate with individuals and organizations in local communities.
our motivations
Autism is not recognized as a disorder by the government of Tajikistan and it is not a disorder that is known to the public. Children with autism are diagnosed as mentally unstable, schizophrenic, or insane, and parents are strongly advised to send their children to government institutions or asylums. There is still a strong belief that autism is a disease that can be cured with heavy medication and isolation from society. At these institutions, the children do not receive any attention for developmental progress or familial interaction. IRODA is the only available alternative to the institutions. As parents, IRODA wants the world to accept their children as equals, so that all the rights available to others are available to them as well. IRODA strives towards a better Tajikistan for their children and all those like them.
future goals
IRODA intends to keep moving forward. Our goals include: developing a program for adolescents, building a larger center with greater capacity to meet the needs of more children and families, and assisting other communities outside of Dushanbe to support people with autism.
If you would like to help our cause, please donate here.
If you would like to help our cause, please donate here.