2011-2016

What do we do at Iroda?
IRODA raises awareness of autism to promote increased understanding of the needs of these children and their families amongst the medical and educational professions and the general public.
IRODA also works in conjunction with the government and other non-governmental organizations to provide appropriate services for children with autism. 
IRODA provides training on autism in a range of formats and settings.
IRODA lobbies and provides relevant information to legislators in attempts to gain the rights denied to those on the autism spectrum.

Early intervention program

  • for children from the time of diagnosis until the age of 6 years
  • preparation for inclusion in mainstream preschool or school

Developmental program

  • for children aged 7 – 12 years who have been unable to access the education system
  • provided on a daily basis for children without an alternative educational opportunity with the goal of working towards inclusion in the education system whenever possible

Life Skills program

  • offered in conjunction with the Developmental Program for children aged 9 - 12 years

inclusion support 

  • for children of any age who are attending the mainstream school system

Recreational opportunities

  • organised activities such as swimming, horse riding, camps etc. that provide families with the support to engage their children in recreational activities in the community

Training sessions

  • hosts and participates in various types of training sessions for parents, professionals, doctors, students, and other people working to support children with autism both in Tajikistan as well as with across the globe

Confererences and forums

parent support groups

  • facilitating parent groups that provide emotional and practical support
Mellow parenting program 
Mellow Parenting programmes have been delivered in Tajikistan since 2010. The groups have been delivered through the work of HealthProm and their national partners (HDO, IRODA and Sarchashma). Firts  IRODA MP group was conducted in 2012.
Iroda Centre for Children with Autism
Facilitator feedback  - Outcomes for mums:
  • Decreased depression
  • Increased self-esteem, this is often seen in improved appearance of both children and parents
  • Decreased isolation as Mums are able to share their experiences with mums in a similar situation/level.
  • Increase in friendship – participants visits each others houses. (This is a big part of Tajik culture)
  • Supports their relationship with their child helping them to ‘get in contact’, understand and therefore better care for their child with autism.
  • Mums learn to regulate their own emotions.
  • Mums gain confidence to try new things with their children.
  • Wider family members comment on the positive difference the group is making on the mums.
  • Mums report that they use less physical punishment because their emotions are more contained.
  • Mums gain an increased understanding about  ASD and that their child has the potential to learn new things.
  • Mums have a break away from their children.
Reported outcomes for children:
  • Children with ASD learn how to socialise and be in a group
  • Children with ASD learn skills from copying each other e.g. toilet training and eating
  • Increased independence
  • Children learn not to be afraid of their parent
  • Children make friends
  • Children don’t want to go home
  • “My child started to listen”
  • Parents feel more confident to try out new things with their children e.g. simple cooking.

ADVOCACY and outreach

  • IRODA advocates for equal rights and opportunities for children with ASD in Tajikistan, and additionally works with the Central Asian Autism Network (CAAN) to support the rights of those with autism throughout Central Asia​