National Autism Action Plans and Public Policies
The 1st and 2nd National Autism Action Plans enacted in Turkey, the effectiveness of the policies implemented, and advocacy lessons within the framework of the UN Convention.
National Autism Action Plans and Public Policies
In Turkey, the most concrete macro initiatives in shaping public policies in the field of neurodiversity have been the National Autism Spectrum Disorder Action Plans. These plans are a crucial ground where the demands of civil society and the regulatory role of the state intersect.
1st National Autism Action Plan (2016-2019)
The first action plan, which came into effect in 2016 coordinated by the Ministry of Family and Social Policies, aimed at early diagnosis, educational evaluation, establishing a special education chain, and creating the legal infrastructure for the shadow teacher practice.
However, due to bureaucratic obstacles in practice, a lack of coordination between institutions, and budgeting deficiencies, a significant portion of the goals in the plan remained on paper. This situation led to various criticisms from civil society.
2nd National Autism Action Plan (2023-2030)
In order to resolve the setbacks experienced in the first action plan and to align with the "leave no one behind" promise of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, the 2nd National Autism Action Plan (2023-2030) was prepared. Announced under the leadership of the Ministry of Family and Social Services, this plan encompasses 9 main strategic goals:
1. Social Acceptance and Awareness: Preventing discrimination with a rights-based approach.
2. Data-Driven Monitoring: Establishing a holistic national statistical infrastructure for individuals with autism.
3. Early Diagnosis and Intervention: Strengthening screening programs in medical and educational institutions.
4. Empowering the Individual and Family: Assigning special counselors to families in Social Service Centers.
5. Scientific R&D Supports: Encouraging research in collaboration with universities and TÜBİTAK.
6. Special Education Services: Improving the quality of inclusive and supportive education services.
7. Inclusive Employment: Making reasonable accommodations in workplaces and monitoring employment quotas.
8. Cultural and Sports Participation: Access to artistic, sports, and recreational activities.
9. Institutional Monitoring System: Convening monitoring commissions at the provincial level chaired by the Deputy Governor.
Policy Lessons for Effective Advocacy
For these plans to be fully effective, there are important lessons to be learned from international advocacy experiences. Looking closely at examples from the UK, the Netherlands (PAS-Nederland), or the US (ASAN), the prominent strategies are:
An Awareness Campaign Alone is Not Advocacy: For neurodiversity advocacy to be effective, it must go beyond "awareness" and demand governance, paid participation, enforceable reasonable accommodation standards, and independent monitoring/compensation mechanisms.
Performance Tracking Against the "No Budget" Excuse: The excuse of "no budget" should not mean a denial of rights. For policies to be implemented, a specific budget must be allocated for each activity, and annual performance reports must be published transparently.
Combining Personal Experience with Data: Just as academic research alone cannot sway public opinion, personal narratives alone cannot solve structural problems. Combining individual experience with statistical data (disaggregated data) is essential in the pursuit of rights.
In conclusion, the publication of a law or a national strategy is not the final stage, but the beginning of a new struggle for implementation. In the self-determination process of neurodivergent individuals, they must be present at the tables where decisions are made.