The Miskolc Autism Foundation was created in 1992 in Miskolc and its goal is to create a special home for the young people living with autism in the incomplete social care system for placement, full care and service for young people with astonishingly autistic and intellectual disabilities; giving them training and employment opportunities.
Autism is a pervasive genetic disorder which shows in differences in perception, socialisation and behaviour. Stereotypical and bizarre behaviors occurring with people living with autism are the phenomena of perceptual thinking and social isolation, and are the ones because of which they need a safe environment and help. The way the behavioral disorder is judged is an outstandingly topical issue.
Sophisticated measurement and research techniques, and the new results of professional improvement all point out that not only a small group is affected by autism. Growing numbers in statistics show that autism actually brings along a set of issues that has an effect on the majority society. The condition of people living with autism has a very wide range. On the one end of the spectrum there are “Kannerian” people who often don’t talk and need daily attendance, whereas on the other end there are well-functioning people living with Asperger’s syndrome, who can fit in society to a certain level.
According to official surveys there are around 25,000 registered people living in Hungary, but estimates suggest that this number may be around 100,000. This supposition is based on the 0.6–0.8% incidence rate.
This is a big group in society that has every right to and demands a full life. Part of this is self-realisation and working towards independence, which go beyond satisfying physiological needs. That is they need meaningful work and free-time activities, too. In Hungary there are autism specific institutions that provide a safe environment, development and employment opportunities for people living with autism. In Hungary the processes of normalization are in their infancy. There are however projects that could be suitable for forging the acceptance of people living with autism.