Autism Rocks! Portugal

Project name: Autism Rocks!

Project location: Portugal

Website: http://www.vencerautismo.org

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/associacaovencerautismo

Project description:

This problem affects aproximately 1 in every 100 children in Portugal, there is no known “cure” and the costs of not helping these children to acquire new competencies is not accessible to all.

It’s neglected
The existing economic agents (government, market, society) are not addressing nor solving this problem.

It has externalities
Not only the child but parents, siblings, family, school and society in general are negatively affected by the challenges of these children.

Phases:

Phase I. Information
One free conference to every 50.000 inhabitants. General information allowing the general public to understand what is Autism and how to deal with these people and most common challenges.

Phase II. Workshops
Workshops for persons that are in direct contact with children with autism (parents, siblings, family members, teachers, nurses, doctors, etc.)

Phase III. Mentorship
Mentorship post-workshop to follow up on the work done with the child. Clarification of doubts and solutions to existing challenges in real time.

Phase IV. 24/7 support
24/7 hotline to support parents, educators in case of emergencies and also any doubt they may have

Goal and purpose of the project:
Eliminate the negative stigma of autism in a wide population of 1,7 Mio inhabitants (Area Metropolitana do Porto) via a 3 year plan of information (free conferences), training (free workshops) and mentoring (free for 3 years) by teaching basic tools and techniques for all persons that deal with autism in their life so they can deal with the situation most efficiently. The 3 year mentorship will motivate educators to encourage their children to increase their capabilities and gain autonomy.

Everyone will understand Autismo and thus be most effective to help any time they meet a person with Autism.

Motivation of the applicant / applicant team:

VA - Since 2010
Passion for max social impact - #loveistheanswer

Use of prize money

To disseminate the results of this project across the autism institutions in Europe, thus enabling change and benchmarking all around Europe.

1.250€ X 12 months = 15.000€