Tbilisi. World Autism Awareness Day is marked on April 2. This day, initiated by the United Nations, serves to raise public awareness.

''Protection of the rights of persons with autism is related to many challenges in Georgia. It is problematic to ensure needs-based health care for people with autism and to provide continuous habilitation-rehabilitation services for them, taking into consideration the geographical accessibility. No state or municipal programmes envisage rehabilitation services for persons with autistic spectrum disorders above the age of 15. In addition, only few municipalities have similar programmes intended for children and they cannot fully cover the existing needs'', is noted in the statement.

Source: www.ombudsman.ge