The Estonian Autistic Association (hereinafter EAA, founded 2014) is a nation-wide self-advocacy association, representing people on autistic spectrum – AS (this includes people without an official autism or Asperger’s diagnosis that identify themselves as autistic). It is a politically and religiously independent, non-governmental and non-profit organization that acts in the public interest and charity purposes.
Main objectives ot EAA:
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to facilitate networking and to create opportunities for social interaction for AS people through peer groups and other social events,
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to represent the interests of AS people in public discussions to improve their quality of life in Estonia,
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to raise general awareness about AS-related issues and to reduce public prejudices, stigmatization, and violations of human rights of AS-related neurominorities,
- To introduce and spread information about the concept of neurodiversity in Estonia,
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to improve the coping capacity and quality of both private and professional life of AS people.
Current activities:
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Provide people with social inclusion opportunities, including social events and peer groups, as well as peer counseling and moral support;
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AS related public and targeted communication and awareness activities,
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Collaboration with other organizations, public authorities, networks, and associations, as well as legal entities and individuals, both in Estonia and abroad, and participation in projects contributing to goals of EAA.