Inspire, one of Malta's leading NGOs in the disability sector, has long provided educational and therapy services to children and adults with learning and physical disabilities. As a non-profit organisation, Inspire aims to support families and the community with services that enable greater inclusion and promote equal opportunities.

Over the years the incidence of a number of particular conditions like autism has increased, causing a strain on the professionals and parents alike. It is critical for the provision of early intervention for such children to receive an accurate and timely diagnosis so that specialist support can be provided at the soonest possible time. The multi-disciplinary team at Inspire regularly assesses children that are already on our programmes but we are now extending this to people who are still unsure what course of action to follow for their children.

The service is a stand-alone service and does not require the parents to be enrolled with one of the many Inspire learning programmes. Indeed, the parents will receive a detailed report that they can take to other professionals of their choice. Our aim is to keep the costs as low and accessible as possible and parents may be asked to cover some of these costs, while we are encouraging companies and benefactors to “purchase” assessments for children needing the service, as well as use our own internal fund-raising activities.

"We aim to continue to work with the Child  Development Assessment Unit and the Education Department to ensure that children have the best possible care and attention. As a team we can co-ordinate our efforts, reducing any duplication and getting the parents the support they need in the quickest possible time," explained Nathan Farrugia, CEO of Inspire.

Dr Rita Micallef PhD, Inspire trustee and member of the team of professionals that will be providing the assessments, emphasised the need for early intervention to ensure that the long-term development of children is achieved.

Paul Stoner, chairperson and trustee of the Inspire Foundation officially launched the Diagnostic Service.
Parents wishing to learn more about the service can call Inspire Bulebel on 2092 8100 or email [email protected]