VIDEO // Solidarity puzzle: social experiment in Moldovan parliament to raise autism awareness

A social experiment dedicated to raising awareness about autism today took place in parliament of Moldova, where MPs were invited to understand, for a few minutes, how the world can be perceived by people with autism spectrum disorders.

The initiative was launched by the organization SOS Autism, in the context of World Autism Awareness Day. At the entrance to Parliament, a sensory box was installed, in which participants were invited to wear headphones, weights on their hands and special glasses to simulate the sensory experiences of people with autism.

MP Ludmila Adamciuc read a message in the plenum of the legislature, emphasizing that autism is not an illness, but a different way of perceiving and interacting with the world. She highlighted the need to build better services and to support families raising children with autism.

At the end of the event, MPs took part in a symbolic act of solidarity, posing with puzzle pieces, a symbol of autism, which together formed a heart.

In the context, Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu said that the burden of caring for these children falls most often on mothers’ shoulders and that these minors need more support on behalf of the society.

The event also included the screening of a video message from parents in Balti, who spoke about daily challenges and the need for more accessible and more effective services.

According to data by the Health Ministry, approximately 1,817 people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders are under medical supervision in Moldova, of whom about 1,684 are children. Specialists note that the real number could be higher, as not all cases are diagnosed and access to evaluation and treatment services remains limited, especially in rural areas.

At an estimated level, in Moldova between 1 in 100 and 1 in 150 children may have autism spectrum disorders, in line with international trends.