(Montenegro) Govt aims to improve services for children with autism
- The end of childhood
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Nov 12, 2025, Envijesti.me: Šimun: Children with autism and their families at the center of attention of the healthcare system
Children and adults with autism and their families are at the center of the healthcare system's attention, said Minister of Health Vojislav Šumun, stating that the department he heads is implementing a series of concrete measures aimed at improving the availability, continuity and quality of healthcare.
At a session of the Parliamentary Committee on Health, Labor and Social Welfare, held on the topic of issues of parents and children with autism, Šimun emphasized that the Ministry consistently fulfills its obligations and promises, especially in the area of establishing and maintaining a registry of people with autism.
As announced by the Ministry of Health, he stated that the registry will be fully implemented in accordance with the Law on Data Collections, and that the Ministry has already made a record of the number of people on the spectrum who will be included in the law.
"The registry will provide more precise insight into the needs of children and adults with autism, but also better planning of health services at the national level," emphasized Šimun.
Speaking about the availability of health services, he recalled that waiting lists for dental services have been resolved, and that a standardized protocol for sedation and treatment of people with autism is being developed, which will enable safer and more humane provision of health care in different conditions.
The statement states that, also at the proposal of the Ministry of Health, an initiative has been sent to the Government to enable the Health Insurance Fund to conclude contracts with domestic professional staff from resource centers and speech therapists, which further strengthens the professional support network and reduces the need to send children abroad.
Šimun said that the goal is for every child with autism, regardless of their place of residence, to have access to timely and quality diagnostics, therapy and support.
"Parents must not be left to their own devices - that's why we are building a system that monitors and supports them every step of the way," emphasized Šimun.
He emphasized that the Early Childhood Development Strategy is being successfully implemented and that it has been praised by UNICEF as an example of good practice in the region.
"A growing number of institutions are participating in early intervention programs (PORI), and the Ministry is continuously investing in staff training and the development of multidisciplinary teams," the statement said.
It is stated that by employing an additional number of special education teachers, speech therapists and psychologists in public health institutions, as well as by introducing special terms and conditions for laboratory sampling of children with autism, the Ministry has shown its commitment to creating a sensitive and inclusive health environment.
The Ministry said that, in addition, accessibility cards have been introduced that enable faster use of health services for children and adults with autism.
Šimun said that caring for children with autism is not just a matter of health policy, but a matter of humanity, solidarity and social responsibility.
"The Ministry of Health will continue to listen to the needs of parents and experts, to improve the system and to create conditions in which every child has the opportunity to progress and develop their potential," said Šimun.
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