Approximately 1-2% of the world’s population has autism, which equates to 78 million people worldwide. Every 11 minutes, someone is diagnosed with ASD. In Argentina, though the country does not have statistics of its own, global trends indicate that this would represent about 460,000 to 920,000 people. Autism spectrum disorder is more common than cancer, diabetes, and childhood AIDS combined. The exponential rate at which the prevalence of ASD is increasing makes the condition one of global importance. But, it’s not just the numbers - the degree to which ASD can affect individuals and families can be tremendous, making it crucial we educate ourselves. Autism is four times more prevalent in men than women and the disorder is characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction and communication, and repetitive behavior. Autism is a challenging lifelong condition that requires a comprehensive network of support and resources.  

What we do

We have 4 main programs: 

1) Development Program for Adolescents and Young Adults with ASD – We offer social activities and training that provide opportunities for our teenagers nd young adults to connect with one another in a friendly and welcoming environment that encourages relationship building and the pursuit of special interests. We currently have 11 workshops centered around arts, employment training, sports, recreation, and basic life skills. With about 60 participants total, we seek to build independence and autonomy through additional outing experiences and weekend night stays at the Foundation with 24/7 care. 

2) Family support – We offer free assessments for parents, grandparents, and siblings along with monthly meetings, workshops, and a free virtual library. 

3) Community – We work on awareness and accessibility programs with Government offices, public hospitals, museums, airports, theaters, corporations, local businesses and other involved community actors.

4) Professional Training - We have an online campus with over 20 free training courses delivered by leading local Argentine and international experts. We also organize in person conferences and workshops.

Networking 

In 2014, Brincar, along with prominent autism organizations in the country, founded Red Espectro Autista - the Autism Spectrum Network (www.redea.org) to promote coordinated efforts in early detection, educational inclusion, and adult life for individuals with ASD. We are also co-founders of Autismored (www.autismored.org) the first free global digital platform in Latin America that, through a geolocation system, connects families, professionals, resources, and support. Autismored now also has an English version.

In addition, we are also members of RACI Red Argentina International Cooperation (www.raci.org.ar) that connects leading autism NGOs in Argentina with the objective of contributing, in an articulated way, to the social transformation of Argentina and the region into an inclusive environment for those with ASD. 

Scientific Information 

During 2020-2021, Brincar Foundation participated in the Autism Commission of The Lancet journal, being the only Spanish-speaking organization to be part of this commission.      We worked alongside various NGOs, individuals with autism, and clinical researchers from six continents to propose a new standard of care for autism with the aim of promoting greater inclusion and improving quality of life.

Brincar also has a free virtual library with the latest scientific information which is accessible to all: https://www.bibliotecabrincar.org.ar/ 

Adult life

Adult life is a significant concern for families who have children with autism. Parents find themselves worrying about their child’s future, wellbeing, and independence after they are no longer around. The Pan American Health Organization recorded that, in 2023, the annual life expectancy in Argentina was 79 years. This means that we spend almost 80% of our lives as adults. However, existing facilities in Argentina and Latin America designed for persons with disabilities are focused on early childhood up to the age of 21; from that age, the supply of services and support is very scarce. There are practically no youth-to-adult transitional programs or appropriate long-term care solutions. 

According to the United Nations, 80% of adults in the autistic spectrum are unemployed. It is also estimated that 60% of adults live with their parents, and this percentage is even higher, at about 87%, for those with intellectual disabilities who need continuous support.

That is why in Brincar we are especially committed to accompanying those with autism on the transition to adult life. We do this through the facilitation of workshops that focus on pre-employment and career-building skills, recreational activities, and cultural education. We also direct our efforts towards the training of personal assistants and caregivers, and parental accompaniment. 

Our dream: Casa Brincar, assisted housing for young adults with autism

For over 10 years we have been envisioning our biggest dream so far: creating an assisted-housing establishment for young adults with autism requiring 24/7 care. The building will be equipped with independent single-room apartments designed according to each person’s specific needs in terms of security, stimulus, and comfort. Additionally, there will also be multiple common spaces for residents to enjoy together. During the day, the building will also host workshops and activities in a day center for non-residents, enabling us to provide support to a larger adult community.

We want this project to be scalable, so we are documenting each step of the way, from administrative and legal requirements to architectural and design decisions. This documentation will help us to create a Good Practice Manual which we hope could prove as a model for families around the world who may want to replicate it.

Casa Brincar will give its residents the autonomy to make their own decisions as well as opportunities to contribute to the community and have those crucial, meaningful experiences in adult life.

We want to create a community for adults with autism that provides them with a home, accessible job opportunities, and spaces where they can pursue their interests all the while ensuring that their required medical and residential needs are met.

That´s why we need your help to make this dream come true

https://www.ted.com/talks/carina_morillo_to_understand_autism_don_t_look_away?trigger=30s