The center in Pardubice is completing a home for people with autism

Pardubice – The Family Integration Center will open on September 1st in Lány na Důlku in Pardubice a home for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The facility, which cost more than 40 million crowns to build, will gradually accept clients. The main construction work is completed. Hana Janiková, the director of the center, told ČTK. According to the organization, the facility will be the only service of its kind in the Pardubice region.

"At this moment, the main construction work is completed, and the building approval process is underway. At the same time, we are intensively working on finishing and furnishing both the internal and external spaces so that the building can serve its purpose from the beginning and be suitable, safe, and pleasant for clients," Janiková stated.

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social relationships, and the way a person perceives their surroundings. It manifests in childhood and lasts throughout life. According to Janiková, the number of people with autism spectrum disorders is significantly increasing. While previously there was roughly one person with autism for every 42 people, today it is approximately one in 20. The manifestations of the disorder vary, from autism associated with intellectual disability to Asperger's syndrome.

The organization purchased a two-story house in Lány na Důlku and renovated it to meet the needs of clients and their families. The reconstruction ultimately cost more than 40 million crowns. Hidden defects in the building complicated the process, which only became apparent after parts of the structure were uncovered. Their removal required additional work costing more than six million crowns.

"The realization was more challenging than we originally anticipated. The biggest complication was indeed the hidden defects in the building that emerged during the construction work and had to be addressed to safely and properly complete the building," Janiková said.

The project was co-financed with European grants, yet the center is looking for additional financial resources due to unexpected costs and the purchase of equipment. Therefore, it has sought help from companies, foundations, and individual donors. It also utilizes the platform Darujme.cz, donation contracts, calls on social networks, and a transparent account. It has also requested support from the Pardubice region and the city of Pardubice.

"Although we managed to obtain significant support, we still lack more than one million crowns for the financing of necessary costs," Janiková stated.

The home will offer accommodation and care for people with ASD while also providing respite care for their families. Five clients will be able to stay there year-round, and two more will be able to utilize shorter stays as needed by their families. The Family Integration Center helps approximately 350 families in the region.