The project addresses the problem of the lack of comprehensive support for young children on the autism spectrum and their families. Thanks to the greater availability of specialists, and increased awareness of autism, more and more children and adults are being diagnosed in Poland (some estimates say 1 child per 100). Unfortunately, at the time of diagnosis, parents and their children are often left alone with a number of recommendations and guidelines, but without specific tools. There is a lack of facilities in Kraków that provide therapeutic support to both children and their families. There is a long wait for support from public institutions, and the therapy offered is insufficient. Meanwhile, in the case of autism, it is important to make an early diagnosis and provide the child with appropriate therapy, and the parents with psychological support.

The project proposed a range of therapeutic and support activities for children on the spectrum and their families from Lesser Poland region. Children benefited from psychological diagnosis and intensive individual therapy – psychological, speech therapy or rehabilitation – and their parents from individual consultations and specialist counselling. Parents also participated in a series of five workshops on basic issues related to autism, such as building relationships, supporting communication development, playing with the child, and developing independence.

A total of 15 young children on the autism spectrum or suspected to be on the spectrum, as well as their parents, benefited from the support. The children were equipped with the competences needed to start pre-school education and to function in a peer group, including communication and cognitive skills. Parents increased their knowledge of autism and how to support their child and received emotional support themselves. Some of the children participating in the project started pre-school education. The support received through the project had a positive impact on their adaptation in the new institutions.