People with autism in Estonia today

Marianne Kuzemtshenko

Facts about autism

Law about protection of personal data

The diagnosis is personal data

No one collects data how many persons we have with ASD or other diagnosis

If rely on statistics coming from other countries (10-20 cases from 10000 people), we have appr. 1400-2800 cases of ASD

April 20, 2023ACE project conference, Slovenia2

Facts about ASD in Estonia

The first diagnoses in the middle of 1980-s, so we have very small number of diagnosed middle-aged or old people with ASD

Most of young and adults with ASD (diagnosed) are in age 18-30

This group had not got the suitable teaching since kindergarten as lot of them had got diagnosis much later.

April 20, 2023ACE project conference, Slovenia3

Possibilites for education for adults with ASD

The basic education is obligatory for all children

High scool is optional, mostly available for young people with ASD and with normal intelligence, who are able to be sufficiently independant – not very high number

Higher education is available only for these young people, who have lightsome problems

Vocational education is available in specific groups for persons with disabilities and also in open groups together with all other students

April 20, 2023ACE project conference, Slovenia4

Adults with ASD and problems

No specific support services for only people with ASD in high schools and universities

Generally it is possible to have support person in universities, but this is occasional and depends on finacial possibilities as much as finding the suitable person for this job

April 20, 2023ACE project conference, Slovenia5

Some of possible occupations in vocational schools in specific groups

Baker, confectioner

Cleaning serviceman

Car repair mechanicer

Planting of greenery

Furniture maker

IT serviceman

Building serviceman

Hotel serviceman

April 20, 2023ACE project conference, Slovenia6

Vocational schools

Viljandi Vocational School

Väike-Maarja Vocational Center

Suuremõisa Technical School

Tallinn Building School

Tallinn Economical School

Tallinn Servicing School

Vana-Antsla Agricultural School

Tartu Art School

Astangu Vocational and Rehabilitation Center

Tartu Vocational Center

April 20, 2023ACE project conference, Slovenia7

Rehabilitation services

Rehabilitation services are available for all adults with ASD on the same basis as for adults with other disabilities

These services are: psychological councelling, speech therapists service, special teachers service, physiotherapists service. Individually or in group.

Too difficult to apply – a lot of papers to fill, insufficient number of service bidders, limited hours on some services, also financial limits.

On positive side: for psychiatrical diagnoses the finances for services are more higher than for other disabilities

April 20, 2023ACE project conference, Slovenia8

Services for independent living

Supported work

The aim of the service is to create an opportunity for a person who lives independently or uses the service of supported life to be engaged in a normal employment relationship. The organizations mediate part-time jobs in ordinary enterprises. The service constitutes the individual aid, advice and supervision of the employer and the employee according to the needs and agreement.

April 20, 2023ACE project conference, Slovenia9

Services for independent living

Supported housing (living)

The aim of the service is the independent life of the person in as ordinary environment as possible. The NGO possesses flats where people with similar problems live in the same flat (having the rights and responsibilities proceeding from the rental agreement). The service constitutes the aid, advice and supervision of the person at the management of everyday life and the flat.

April 20, 2023ACE project conference, Slovenia10

Services for independent living

Day Care Centers

The aim of the service is to decrease the need to institutionalize the person for a long term, offering them the possibilities of activity orientated to rehabilitation of the person and the support services in the ordinary environment. Every year the people take regular part in the art camps in Estonia and abroad.

April 20, 2023ACE project conference, Slovenia11

Services for independent living

There are no services which are meant for only adults with ASD, but considering the smallness of Estonia – it is not urgently needed.

The number of institutions is not sufficient

April 20, 2023ACE project conference, Slovenia12

Services from Employment service

Adaptation of the workplace (advices and financial support), mostly for physical disabilities

Special aids and equipment (special equipment that is needed in order to do job properly)

Assistance in job interviews (assistance to communicate with the employer during job interviews)

Working with the support person (possibility to have someone work alongside you, to assist you in your integration in the workplace. The cost for support persons is compensated to a limit, and for up to one year)

April 20, 2023ACE project conference, Slovenia13

What we need for adults with ASD more

Organized system of support services for students in vocational schools and universities

Sufficiently trained support persons in vocational schools and universities

More supported places for work, and with wider choices of work

Possibilities to work with support person more than one year

More supported living places

April 20, 2023ACE project conference, Slovenia14