PM Mitsotakis Chairs First Meeting of Special Committee for Autism

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis led the inaugural meeting of Greece’s Special Committee for Autism on Tuesday, marking a significant step towards improving lifelong support for individuals on the autism spectrum.

The committee, established in December 2023, aims to provide interdisciplinary scientific recommendations to enhance the quality of life and social inclusion of people with autism.

Government sources reported that the discussions centered on the committee’s key priorities, including the development of a digital guide offering practical advice for parents and recommended actions following an autism diagnosis. The meeting also explored a roadmap for targeted policies across different life stages, drawing from best international practices to ensure equal opportunities for individuals with autism in education, employment, and broader society.

Education was a major topic of discussion, with officials emphasising that most children on the autism spectrum are capable of following standard school curricula. The committee highlighted the need for specialised teacher training to support autistic students and the expansion of special education programs.

Regarding professional inclusion, experts pointed out that Greece already offers high-quality vocational training programs. The discussion included the potential establishment of official certification for program graduates and ways to align these initiatives more closely with labour market demands.

The committee also underscored the importance of early diagnosis and considered implementing universal standardized screening for young children to identify those at risk of developing autism-related symptoms.

In his opening remarks, Mitsotakis expressed his commitment to advancing autism-related policies. He recalled how an initial meeting on the topic a year ago had profoundly influenced his understanding of the challenges faced by autistic individuals and their families.

“Our government has taken significant steps in addressing disability-related issues by placing this responsibility under the government’s presidency for better coordination,” Mitsotakis stated. “We are eager to hear your suggestions, and I assure you that Akis Skertsos is fully committed to this cause. Just as we have made progress in other areas of social policy, I believe we will achieve meaningful advancements in autism support.”

Minister of State Akis Skertsos described the committee as a “dream team,” highlighting the government’s vision for an inclusive society where “no one is left behind or unseen.” He stressed that the committee’s work is focused on identifying the daily struggles of autistic individuals and their families to craft policies that ensure their full integration into society.

The establishment of the Special Committee for Autism reflects Greece’s broader efforts to enhance social welfare policies and align with best international practices, ensuring that people with autism receive the support they need at every stage of life.

(Source: Protothema)