“Children on the autistic spectrum” – by Malteser Consultation and Service Center

Dr. Anita Zacharias, pediatrician and Dr. Monika Aly, therapist, from Germany, have been invited for the second time by Malteser Consultation and Service Center, to refer in the Seminar “Children on the autistic spectrum”, which was organized by Malteser Albania, in collaboration with the Shkodra Municipality.

This training seminar was held on May 20-22, with the participation of about 25 interested people of different professions: representatives from the Regional Education Directorate, Health Public Directorate; the educators of Malteser kindergarten and other kindergartens; teachers from the Special School “3 Dhjetori” and other elementary schools; educators from the Development Center in Shkodra; doctors and nurses of Health Centers, psychologists, who work with children of early ages, etc.
The aim of the seminar was to help participants in identifying as early as possible cases and better ways of treating children of the autistic spectrum.
The two first days were mainly theoretical, where the referents talked about autism, the typical features, how to make diagnostics, what kind of therapy to follow, the TEACCH program (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication-Handicapped Children), the problematic behaviors and what kind of support is useful, communication and emotions.
The third day was very intensive. The two referents presented to the participants concrete cases to analyze and offered advice on the way autistic children are to be treated in their working place (kindergarten, schools, and healthy centers). The second part of the day was held in the Malteser settings, with consultations with parents and children, where 8 children who are treated at the Center have been examined.
At the end certificates were delivered to the participants.

After the Seminar, Dr. Anita Zacharias and Dr. Monika Aly were welcomed by the Mayer of Shkodra, Mr. Lorenc Luka, who expressed them his gratitude. They also received special thanks by Malteser Albania for voluntary accepting to lead this very useful seminar for the second time.