School grounds opened for autistic children

Education Minister Evarista Bartolo, together with the Prime Minister's wife, Michelle Muscat, embarked on a new initiative 

to make available school grounds during the summer months for children diagnosed with autism.

The schools are in Attard, St Paul's Bay, Marsaxlokk and Sannat.

Bartolo said that through the better management of schools communities can become more inclusive, by allowing parents of children diagnosed with autism to find the necessary space adequate to their needs.

Muscat, said that she had been approached in recent months by the Parents Autism Association about the lack of appropriate restricted playing areas for children diagnosed with autism.

"Such concerns are a priority and through collaboration with the Ministry, the association has identified appropriate school grounds, in different areas in Malta, to address their needs," Muscat said.

Parents Autism Association representative Valerie Brincat said this initiative would lighten the daily struggles faced by parents and their children and make communities more inclusive.