Early identification of potential problems is important for children with special educational needs (SEN), particularly those with autism spectrum disorders, and their families. This issue is especially relevant in regions where specialized centers are lacking or existing resources are insufficient to provide consistent and comprehensive support. Recognizing the importance of this need, Viva and “Artissimo” have decided to expand the cooperation they launched four months ago in Gegharkunik and extend their support to beneficiaries in Vayots Dzor as well.The “Voskeporik” development center in Yeghegnadzor is the first regional branch established by “Artissimo”. The main center is in the city of Martuni, Gegharkunik region. The branch serves 20 villages and one town in Vayots Dzor, providing ongoing support to 150 children each year. With Viva’s support, the center’s professional team will now be able to fully serve the 200 children already registered, along with their parents. The therapies provided will be long-term and consistent. Viva’s support will enable to focus on strengthening the work of its two existing centers, while pursuing ambitious new programs.
“Our cooperation is important from several perspectives. In the regions, families in this target group are particularly vulnerable, often due to the limited availability of professional developmental centers. Because of distance, financial constraints, and other factors, traveling to the capital to receive the necessary therapy often becomes difficult or impossible. We are ready to support, because the presence of such centers in the regions and the dedication of specialists can solve many issues,” said Armen Avetisian, General Director of Viva.
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The “Voskeporik” center in Yeghegnadzor is adapted to the work in the field of sensory integration. While rehabilitation services are also provided for children with motor impairments, the main focus at this stage is on children with autism-related conditions. Experts note that thanks to five years of consistent effort, incredible results have sometimes been achieved – so much so that initial neurological diagnoses have been changed. This is the result not only of dedication, but also of the methodology. Special emphasis is placed on working with parents. The center applies a model that ensures the parent-child-specialist connection, and parents who have received knowledge apply the right approach to communicating with the child at home.
“The most important achievement we have had in Yeghegnadzor is building a strong community of parents and their involvement in the process. In general, the child-parent-specialist triangle is important for the “Voskeporik” development center. It has another positive side: our leading specialists were once parents who came to “Voskeporik” seeking help. Today they are already professionals and are an important pillar of support for everyone. It is also a success that we are able to expand our activities across the regions. Of course, we also have an ambitious goal of reaching other regions, and we will work toward it,” said Katerina Horstka, founder of the “Artissimo” cultural NGO.
A year ago, the “Voskeporik” center in Yeghegnadzor also began to conduct in-depth research initiatives beyond outpatient services through fundraising, in order to promote a more systematic approach.
