The latest episode of the “Flasim” podcast is dedicated to children with disabilities and the challenges facing their families.

Prime Minister Rama’s guests on the episode, titled “You Are Not Alone”, were Niko Dylgjeri, a young man on the autism spectrum, and his mother, Eglantina Bajrami. They spoke about the difficulties they faced along their journey, as well as the progress achieved through great dedication.

Rama also welcomed Kristina Kasemi, a teaching assistant, who spoke about the challenges of working with children with special needs.

Rama said the discussion is part of the government’s efforts to enter a new phase in the relationship between institutions and these children and their parents, by engaging the parents themselves, who are at the forefront of this effort.

“Parents’ efforts are constant and ongoing, while our aim is to do everything possible, starting with the establishment of a National Council for Children with Disabilities. We will then move forward based on the leadership, guidance and recommendations of the council, which will bring together representatives of institutions, parents and teachers,” Rama said.

Rama stressed that the government has increased the number of teaching assistants, but the need remains significant. The Prime Minister therefore assured that the number of teaching assistants will continue to increase year by year.

Eglantina, chairwoman of the “National Club of Parents of Children with ASD / Autism Speaks” Association, expressed concern that there is currently no form of support or provision for young people over the age of 18.

“We cannot provide developmental therapy because it is available only up to the age of 15. Instead, we need to move towards skills-based therapy to help them develop the skills they need for everyday life. They need to be supported, accepted and given access to such programmes so they can develop these skills. There are also no residential centres for those who do not have parents,” she stressed.

She praised the measures taken by the government, including doubling the allowance for children with disabilities and covering health and social insurance contributions for all caregivers of people with disabilities.

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