The programme for the early detection and intervention of autism, an initiative by the Burgos-based organisations Fundación Miradas and Autismo Burgos, has been recognised by the Rafa Nadal Foundation. The award ceremony took place yesterday in Palma de Mallorca, attended by José María Álvarez-Pallete, chairman of Telefónica, and Rafael Nadal himself, the professional tennis player.
Yesterday, at an event brimming with emotion and a sense of social responsibility, the 2nd Rafa Nadal Foundation Awards Ceremony took place, during which the exceptional work of the ‘bbMiradas’ programme was highlighted; this pioneering initiative is promoted by the Burgos-based organisations Fundación Miradas and Autismo Burgos.
The award for this programme, which has been praised for its innovation and social relevance in the “Social Innovation” category, was accepted by Simona Palacios, president of Fundación Miradas, and María Merino, the programme’s technical director. The ceremony was graced by the distinguished presence of Gustavo Merino, Director of UNESCO’s SHS Social Policy Division, José María Álvarez-Pallete, Chairman of Telefónica, and Rafael Nadal himself, professional tennis player and founding patron of the Foundation.
When collecting the award, Palacios highlighted the values which, just as they characterise the Balearic champion, “have been at the heart of the project since its inception: passion, hard work, talent, perseverance and teamwork”.
‘BbMiradas’ has established itself as a unique and innovative programme for the early detection of and intervention in cases of suspected autism in babies under 36 months. Through a combination of traditional diagnostic techniques and eye-tracking technology, together with a specially designed algorithm, it offers babies identified as having suspected autism the opportunity to receive free intervention, aimed at providing guidance, support and socio-communicative stimulation to both the baby and their family, with the aim of improving their present and future quality of life.
The bbMiradas programme is currently active not only in Burgos but also in nine other Spanish provinces, through a scheme developed by the Miradas Foundation in collaboration with Autismo España and with funding from the Ministry of Social Rights and the 2030 Agenda. Furthermore, the Burgos-based foundation is working to explore ways of rolling out the programme in other European and American countries that have expressed an interest. Since its launch in 2018, a total of 685 babies have taken part in the programme, with 181 babies diagnosed before the age of 36 months.
The Rafa Nadal Foundation Awards provide a significant boost to initiatives such as this one, which aim to improve the quality of life for various vulnerable groups. As a partner organisation, Telefónica helps to raise the profile of these awards, demonstrating its commitment to social development and the well-being of communities.
This recognition highlights the importance of collaboration between non-profit organisations, committed businesses and society as a whole in bringing about positive and meaningful change in the lives of people with autism and their families.