Medical and social support for children with ASD in Russian regions: cooperation issues

The development of a system of medical and social support for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pressing social problem. The country is seeing an increase in the number of children with ASD, which is explained, among other things, by modern diagnostic capabilities and the development of the non-profit sector. The purpose of the study was to examine issues of interdepartmental interaction in the system of comprehensive assistance to children with ASD. Data from programs to help children with ASD in various Russian regions were analyzed, expert interviews (N=16) were conducted with managers and employees of NGOs and focus groups with parents of children with ASD were held. The data obtained made it possible to identify the main problems and current forms of interaction between NGOs and other organizations in the system of medical and social assistance to children with ASD.