Fundacja SYNAPSIS is one of the longest-standing Polish non-governmental organizations, supporting people with autism and their families since 1989. Its activities include diagnosis, therapy, education, family support, and social activation, including through online formats. Here is an overview based on official sources:
Brief overview of the mission and scope of activities
- Since its founding, more than 4,560 children and adults have been diagnosed with autism.
- Over 21,600 specialists and parents — teachers, psychologists, doctors, social workers — have been trained.
The foundation manages several infrastructure projects:
- OSO “Ośrodek dla Dzieci i Dorosłych Osób z Autyzmem” (Center for Children and Adults with Autism),
- Center for Diagnosis and Therapy of Young Children,
- “Dom i Praca” (Home and Work) — Poland’s first social enterprise and training home for adults with autism.
Diagnosis and therapy — from early childhood to adulthood
- Diagnosis in children and adolescents includes testing for intelligence (Stanford-Binet 5), autism (ADOS-2, ASRS), attention and behavior disorders (Conners-3), personality traits (DROM), and psychiatric consultations.
- Diagnosis in adults includes a visit to a psychiatrist, psychological assessment, use of structured tools, and is formalized with an official report with recommendations within approximately 4 weeks.
Education and support for professionals
- The Foundation offers interactive online training courses: “Knowledge, Understanding, Help” on autism, including topics such as sensory characteristics, therapeutic approaches, working with families, including training for teachers, psychologists, speech therapists, and specialists.
- The staff includes recognized experts such as psychologists Renata Werpachowska and Katarzyna Wróbel, who conduct training, supervision, and festivals throughout the country.
Online formats and pandemic adaptation
- In 2022, the center carried out 596 diagnostic procedures, 410 consultations with a psychiatrist, and 9,437 therapeutic sessions.
- More than 3,000 consultations were provided to families and specialists, including legal, psychosocial, and counseling support.
- When the war in Ukraine began, the foundation’s specialists began providing online assistance to refugee families, offering psychological and psychiatric support.
Network, advocacy, and influence on the system
- In 1997–1998, on the initiative of the foundation, Porozumienie Autyzm-Polska was created — a coalition of organizations working for the rights of people with autism and their families.
- From the very beginning, the foundation has been actively involved in political and social work: campaigns, conferences, and activities to create an institute for the rights of people with autism.
Conclusion
The SYNAPSIS Foundation is a multidisciplinary player in the field of social and medical support for autism. It combines diagnostics, therapeutic assistance, the implementation of online formats, training, social integration, and advocacy. It is this comprehensive approach that makes it possible to significantly improve the quality of life of people with autism and their families in Poland.
