In Latvia, the state's financial support for psychosocial rehabilitation services for children with autism spectrum disorders is set to double this year, allowing more children to receive necessary therapy. Containing essential services like nurturing therapy and sessions with speech therapists, auditory logopedists, and occupational therapists, the program has expanded its eligibility this year to include children up to seven years old, increasing the number of beneficiaries to 200. This expansion signifies a governmental acknowledgment of the growing need for such services in the early years of childhood development.

Among the families benefiting from this initiative is Kristīne Narkevica and her five-year-old son Kārlis, who has made significant progress through rehabilitation. Previously non-verbal and struggling with classic autism symptoms, Kārlis has begun to speak, write, recognize letters, and count, paving the way for a more hopeful future for both him and his family. Kristīne reflects on her journey from uncertainty and stress about her child's future to witnessing tangible development, highlighting the importance of early intervention and support.

Despite the positive developments in funding and support, advocates emphasize the ongoing demand for services, suggesting that even with doubled funding, the needs of many children still remain unmet. This situation raises questions about resource allocation and the importance of scaling such services to effectively address the full scope of requirements for autism support as more children enter the system and seek help.