Organisation for the Protection of Persons with Autism – Pervasive Developmental Disorders (P.D.D.) of the prefecture of Kastoria

The Organisation for the Protection of Persons with Autism – Pervasive Developmental Disorders (P.D.D.) of the prefecture of Kastoria was set up in March 2006 by three families of children with autism that live in the area. The initiative was backed up by family members and friends and soon developed into a non-governmental, non-profit body currently supported by almost 300 members, 35 of which are people with autism.

The Organisation has received a certification as a non-profit, non-governmental body that provides social care services and is supervised by the Hellenic Ministry of Health.

 Initiatives and Actions

Since its creation in 2006 the Organisation has undertaken a number of initiatives, the most notable of which include the following:

• Establishing and running a Day Centre for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism (since 2012)
• Running volunteering schemes like “Befriending” (since 2008)
• Promoting positive awareness about autism in the community (including festivals and theatrical performances)
• Providing training (including seminars and workshops)
• Actively participating in local and national actions for the protection of rights of people with autism (including petitions, public representation)