Niksic Set to Build €3.7 Million Autism Centre by 2026

A new autism centre is set to be constructed in Niksic, with an estimated budget of €3.7 million. The project has been included in the state budget for 2026, following an initiative from the local Dnevni Centre for Children with Special Needs. The Niksic local government has actively supported the project and collaborated with the Ministry of Education to secure a site near a school in the Ozrinici neighbourhood.

Plans for the centre involve demolishing an abandoned school building that has stood vacant for several decades. In its place, a state-of-the-art facility will be built, designed to meet modern standards for autism care.

Vision for a Modern Facility

Radovan Dragnic, the director of the Dnevni Centre, shared that the centre will serve as a day facility for young individuals within the autistic spectrum. The complex is expected to include several apartments for users, enhancing the living and care conditions for those it serves.

The design includes two pavilions: one dedicated to older users and the other for children. A gymnasium will also be part of the facility. “This will be a modern centre that is fully adapted to the needs of its users,” Dragnic explained. “We have conducted surveys with families who have experience with autism and sent the results to a reference organisation in Denmark to assist in developing a preliminary design for the future building.”

The Niksic municipality’s design agency has committed to completing the project by the end of this year. As part of the preparatory work, architects have undertaken study trips to cities such as Osijek, Novi Sad, Belgrade, and Tirana, where similar institutions exist. This research aims to gather valuable experiences that will inform the design and functionality of the new centre.

Expanding Capacity to Meet Growing Needs

The new facility will cover approximately 3,000 square meters and is projected to accommodate around 200 users. Dragnic noted that while data collection can be challenging, they anticipate the future centre will cater to about 100 users initially, a number that is expected to rise.

The local administration is deeply engaged in this initiative, and efforts are underway to enhance staff training to ensure readiness for the new centre. Involvement from the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Health is also anticipated to share the responsibilities associated with this specialized area.

Currently, the Niksic Dnevni Centre for Children with Special Needs operates with approximately 60 users, with a third of them diagnosed with autism. They have recently implemented a two-shift system due to space constraints, which serves as a temporary solution until the Ozrinici centre is completed. Dragnic emphasized the need for qualified professionals, particularly speech therapists, psychologists, defectologists, educators, and caretakers, to meet the growing demand for services.

The planned autism centre will feature specialized materials, distinct lighting, and unique room designs to cater specifically to the needs of its users. Future expansions may also include a barn for animals, which has proven beneficial for children with such needs, as well as a spacious yard with various activities.

As Niksic prepares for this transformative project, the community remains hopeful that the new autism centre will provide essential support and resources for families and individuals affected by autism.