The “SupAutism” project was presented through a joint initiative of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Metallurgy at Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU) and the Student Youth Organization (SYO). The event addressed two United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-being, and Goal 10 – Reduced Inequalities. It also focused on health awareness, mental health promotion, and increasing public awareness and sensitivity.
Malik Garayev, Dean of the Faculty, noted that “SupAutism” had won AZN 4,200 in the “Digital” grant competition organized by the Azerbaijan Youth Foundation. He emphasized the project’s significant social value and encouraged other young participants to develop initiatives addressing current challenges and contributing to sustainable societal development, particularly through scientific research, innovative approaches, student well-being programs, and university–community cooperation.
Sanan Mirzayev, a student at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Metallurgy and the project lead, presented the mobile application and website developed under “SupAutism.” He explained that the platform aims to provide psychological, pedagogical, and social support to parents of children with autism. Its services are based on rehabilitation and therapy support, a multidisciplinary approach, and collaboration between academic and healthcare institutions.
The platform includes sections such as “Introductory Information on Autism,” “Child Behaviour Tests,” “Step-by-Step Guidance and Recommendations for Parents,” and “Practical Resources to Facilitate the Daily Lives of Children with Autism.” These resources are designed to help parents who observe possible signs of autism in their children access initial information, support early identification of developmental differences, and better organize their children’s daily activities. The platform also makes available a set of 76 questions across four test sections developed by the Autism Research Institute and described as an internationally recognized reference for assessing the possibility of autism in children.
Following the presentation, Isa Khalilov, Head of the Department of Machine Design, Mechatronics and Industrial Technologies, commended the students for their substantial work on the project and offered recommendations for its further development.
During the seminar, psychologists Shahla Amanova and Nargiz Ismayilova, who specialize in working with autistic individuals and contributed to the project, emphasized that autism is a difference rather than an illness. They shared their professional knowledge and experience with the platform’s developers, including insights into the most common questions and challenges faced by parents of autistic children and possible ways to address them.
As part of the interactive session, the psychologists conducted a training activity for participants entitled “How Autistic Individuals Respond to Situations.”
The event concluded by highlighting the role of initiatives like “SupAutism” in promoting good health and well-being, social inclusion, respect for diversity, and equal opportunities for all members of society, thereby contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.
