Santa Cruz de Tenerife 17 Feb. (Europa Press) –
The Asperger-Tea Canary Islands Association (Aspercan), which represents 200 autistic individuals and their families while offering services across Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, has accused the Canary Government of “neglecting” autistic individuals due to persistent delays in the processing of aid and grants.
“In recent years, we have been observing behaviours from regional, insular, and municipal public administrations. Rather than collaborating with our initiatives, promoting and supporting them, they are engaging in corrosive practices towards the third sector that only lead to our demise and, consequently, the abandonment of the autistic individuals we assist,” the association stated in a release.
In this regard, the group has specified that the circumstances are “untenable” as Aspercan is compelled to “front costs that may or may not be reimbursed,” and when the payment finally arrives, “the amount granted could be lower than what was requested.”
They further pointed out that the IRPF grant line “overlooks” smaller associations which are the ones providing direct support services, “solutions and responses that the administration itself fails to deliver.”
Indeed, they highlighted that “despite the significance of this role and receiving this aid since 2017, in 2024 the Canary Government is withholding it.”
Additionally, Aspercan reported that the Canary Health Service utilises the Association but “fails to provide support,” since prior to the “collapse” of the mental health units, they refer patients to the diagnostic assessment service without supplying the necessary financial backing.
“We cannot overlook the fact that the public health system is free and that the Government of the Canary Islands is exhibiting a serious issue of social injustice. If one lacks funds, they are denied a diagnosis or therapeutic assistance,” commented Israel Betancort, president of Aspercan.
The Association has brought this matter to the attention of the Minister of Social Welfare, Equality, Youth and Children and Families, Candelaria Delgado, who has pledged to “address” the situation, although currently without specific measures, and to the General Director of Mental Health and Addictions, Fernando Gómez-Pamo Guerra del Río, who has forwarded the case to the Minister of Health, Esther Monzón, thus far without any outcome.
Aspercan has emphasised that the present and future quality of life of the 200 autistic individuals and their families cannot be “jeopardised.”
“Their lives cannot be postponed until the year’s end to be lived. Their lives are happening now and deserve our support and, consequently, their rights. We will not back down,” stated the association, which indicates that protests and awareness campaigns will soon be organised in the streets to highlight the “precarious situation” faced by autism in the Canary Islands.
