The adaptation of SCERTS methodology in Lithuania

About this project

<p>Autism spectrum disorders are one of the most widely studied areas of child‘s psychiatry. Unfortunately, in Lithuania, specialists who work with children with autism spectrum disorders and families which are raising such children, lack general information about characteristics of these disorders which could help to accurately apply the right treatment method. The methods used in Lithuania are focused on behavioral therapy but lacks the relationship-oriented models. Also, most of the medical institutions for such needs are located in Lithuanian cities, thus contributing to the disparity of services between regions. Applicant aims to improve the quality of mental health services provided to the community focusing on the well-being of children who have autism spectrum disorders and their families.</p> <p>The goal&nbsp;of the project is to&nbsp;acquire&nbsp;and adapt&nbsp;a new SCERTS methodology at the national level, which responds to the needs of children with autism spectrum disorders and their families. The SCERTS methodology is distinguished by the fact that it covers various child’s development areas (communicative, socio-emotional, cognitive, and motor) and focuses on psycho-emotional state more than other methods. During implementation period, there will be close cooperation with small Lithuanian municipalities – Joniskis, Kaisiadorys, Kazlu Ruda and Varena, thus reducing the separation of healthcare provision between Lithuanian municipalities. A bilateral partnership with the Norwegian Institute of Psychoanalysis will strengthen partnership between Norway and Lithuania and will ensure greater dissemination of the methodology by complementing it with Norwegian practices while working with children with autism spectrum disorders.</p>

Bilateral cooperation results

The bilateral partnership with the the Norwegian Institute of Psychoanalysis ensured greater dissemination of the methodology and supplemented it with practices used in Norway in working with children with autism spectrum disorders. During the implementation of the project, the project partners shared experience and knowledge about the application of different methods in working with children with ASD. As the SCERTS methodology adapted from abroad during the project encourages the integration of other methodologies and therapies, the Norwegian Institute of Psychoanalysis, which has accumulated many years of experience in this field, brought great added value to the project.

Project partners

• Norwegian psychoanalytic institute Donor project partner· Norway