Although the media is making the same appeal, the parents of children with autism are persistently ignored by the competent institutions.
This was stated by Tamara Pejović, one of the parents, during a protest in front of the Government of Montenegro. She stated that the parents are there to express "revolt and disappointment".
"There are tenants among us, exhausted, sleep-deprived, on antidepressants. There are also non-aligned ones. We came to be a cry. We came to show how the state cares about our families...", said Pejović.
In the past year, she added, no steps have been taken towards resolving the pressing issues that plague parents.
"We asked for a registry of people with autism and we asked for a day center," she said.
Pejović said that they also requested the establishment of a modern autism center.
"The wait times for an appointment with a child psychiatrist are four months. It's clear that we need a foothold..." she said.
She said that "no one sees children with autism after the age of eighteen."
"A weakened family with an autistic member is a big problem. We know that it is not adequate to place people with developmental disabilities in psychiatric institutions. Komanski Most has 120 places. They currently have 117..." said Pejović, adding that it is necessary for the parent to have caregiver status.
Psychologist Slavica Raičević said that in Montenegro, according to unofficial information, there are between five and six thousand children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.
"The calculation is clear. We have too few professionals. We demand that you hear our cries. By establishing a faculty for special education and rehabilitation, you are giving hope to parents," said Raičević.
Sabina Decević ('Ognjen Rakočević' Foundation) said she was glad to be here today.
"We are protesting because we have no reason to celebrate. We hope that next year we will celebrate some things. Belgrade, Novi Sad, Tuzla, Thailand... should be our choice, not the first. The only option we have is outside Montenegro. We are seeking treatment in Montenegro so that families are not separated," said Decević.
She said they were tired of "the same story" for years.
"We are looking for something to happen in Montenegro. We do not have a fully usable system that we can use. Assistants are a support, but they do not have adequate training... There must be practical training, not just theoretical," Decević said.
Parent Ivana Ramović noted that a Day Center with experts is needed.
"A registry of autistic people is needed in Montenegro," she said, adding that they are in a big problem.
Goran Laković from the NGO "You Are Not Alone" said that the authorities would hear and see them.
"Montenegro has had enough of division. We are one and we demand the right to a dignified life. Today, mothers approached you, and you hid behind the fence. This is our first protest, and you have thirty days," said Laković.
Bonus video:
