Ayia Nappa
Noel is currently involved in helping the families of set up their Autism centre in Cyprus.
The plan to set up an Autism centre is the inspiration of the mother of an autistic young man Criso Promdrou and some other dedicated families living in the Famagusta area. These parents have brought up their children with little help or support other than from themselves.
There is limited provision for children and young people with autism in schools in Cyprus and almost nothing for young adults. These parents have established a real need in their local community and have recorded 55 children and young adults in the area who are on the Autism Spectrum. Undoubtedly there are more and what these parents want is their children and the young children and adults as well as their families to offer them help, support and respite.
So they have established their own charity called Autism families Famagusta and they are working to set up an Autism centre.
The key functions would be:
- to provide 24-hour care for young children and adults with trained staff and programmes to support each autistic person by meeting their needs and developing their skills and abilities
- to be a ” live in or Respite” centre for our local children and young adults
- to provide the day care part to provide a range of much needed therapies that have proven to help with people with autism: Speech therapy Occupational therapy Music therapy SI therapy ( sensory education) to offer families that are not living locally the opportunity to leave their child with
Autism in care for a few hours or overnight so the family themselves have an opportunity for some time to relax.[ This service could also be offered to families abroad as part of a holiday package.] This is an ambitious project but it will be a first for Cyprus as there is no provision for young Autistic adults at all particularly after the age of 21 where by the state has no provision for specialised Autistic care. Autism families Famagusta have the support of our municipality. Their advice and encouragement has been invaluable in supporting fund raising events and giving advice with the legal matters.
There is a lot of interest and offers of support from many individuals from all aspects of the community and beyond.
Autism families Famagusta have received all this good will and support because local people understand and support our vision to build this autism centre that will provide such a vital, unique and important service
Autism families Famagusta are working closely with a range of professionals, autistic Parents, municipality, educational and therapy specialists and members of their own charity.
Autism families Famagusta believe as a team with the knowledge, expertise and determination they can get the very best help and support that the autistic children and young adults in Famagusta area need.