Please tell a little about yourself and your role with autism in Macedonia.

Over 60 years in the Republic of Macedonia it was organized protection and rehabilitation of children with special needs, but even today there is no organized treatment for children with autism, except some cases, although the number of those children is increasing.
Founding of MSSA:
On 22.05.2000 year was founded Macedonian Scientific Society for Autism (MSSA), in which take a part special educators, psychiatrists, medical doctors, immunologists, allergologists, epidemiologists, psychologists, social workers and other professionals.

Macedonian Scientific Society for Autism is dealing with broader common interest, and the Society’s special aims and the tasks are:

investigation the mechanisms connected with autism;
investigation the effects of rehabilitation on the persons with autism;
treatment of the persons with autism;
co operation with the parents of the children with autism;
Co ordination of governmental and non-governmental organizations dealing with autism;
international co operation with umbrella organization who take care about people with disabilities;

What is the prevalence of autism in Macedonia (if known)?

There is no official number of children with autism in Macedonia because there is no system of evidence. It is underestimated 0.50 per 10.000. Macedonian Scientific Society has own information about prevalence based on information from its membership and project works, but research about prevalence in Macedonia haven't been made yet.

Within the Macedonian culture, how aware are people of autism? How accepting are they of autism?

People in Macedonia are not excluded from Macedonian society but they are not included also. They are treated the same as people with mental disabilities, has wrights to attend special school or daily care centers, do not have special rights, as they aren't selected as special group of disabilities.

What are the largest struggles for people with autism in Macedonia? Is there a story you know personally that demonstrates this struggle?

The largest problem that brings tears in parents' eyes is question: "What will happen with my child when it wont be me anymore, when I die?"

What have been some of the greatest successes in Macedonian regards to autism?

In Macedonia, from my side, still, there is no some success worth to be mention as "greatest".

Is there anything else about autism and Macedonia you would like to share?

We need a lot of work to do something about autism in Macedonia.