There are no updated figures about the number of children suffering from this disease in Bulgaria, representatives of Contemporary Civilization alliance told a news conference Monday. Difficult communication with the mother, avoiding even bodily contact with her is most characteristic for this disease. Another symptom is avoiding eye contact with the others, belated beginning to speak which most often is replaced by shouts and cry, Belgian Prof. Dr. Guillen Magerotte explained. Together with his colleagues, Prof. Dr. Magerotte will participate in a seminar on September 1 - 5 in Veliko Turnovo. The Belgian experts will share their experience with Bulgarian psychologists and paedagogues in the education and the family treatment of mentally retarded children and children with autism.
Children suffering from autism in Bulgaria live mainly isolated in social establishments.
Bulgarian President Peter Stoyanov leaves on a three-day visit to Lisbon Friday. He will meet Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio, the President's Press Secretariat said Monday. On Sunday the President will open the National Day of Bulgaria at EXPO'98. May. The Bulgarian pavilion displays 968 products and 136 catalogued exhibits. On August 25 the Bulgarian pavilion received is one millionth visitor.