The Applied Behavior Analysis, called ABA therapy, which is used to treat children and teens with autism spectrum disorders and is the only efficient method recognized worldwide, hasn’t been yet officially validated in Moldova. For now, only two centers in Chisinau provide ABA therapy services.

Aliona Dumitras, executive director of the public association “SOS Autism”, told a news conference that an hour of ABA therapy costs 120 lei and the sessions are fully paid by parents, IPN reports. In other states, the costs are subsidized by the state, while in Moldova the psychological and financial burden is borne by the parents.

“SOS Autism” member Olga Guzun, who has an autistic child, said a child with an autism spectrum disorder needs at least two hours of such therapy daily. This is the minimum that can produce results. The autistic child needs therapy throughout life and the financial burden is very great.

The association includes parents who sold their houses in village and came to live in rented accommodations in Chisinau in order to have access to the existing therapy services. Three to six parents daily call the association and ask to involve their children in ABA therapy sessions.