The Patients' Rights Association reacts to the case of Arian Sllamnik: Autism is not a "curable" disease
The Patients' Rights Association in Kosovo (PRAK) has reacted to the claims of conspiracy theorist Arian Sllamniku about curing autism, who reportedly has also used several methods for alleged healing.
One of them, as reported in the media, is suspected of having suggested the use of substances intended for animals for the treatment of children.
Full reaction:
REACTION, regarding the case of claims about "curing autism" and endangering children's health.
The Patients' Rights Association in Kosovo (PRAK) expresses deep concern regarding media reports on the case in Gjilan, where an individual is suspected of offering "treatments" for autism, including the use of substances intended for animals, presenting them as healing therapies for children.
This case should not be treated solely as an isolated incident or as individual criminal liability, but as an alarming phenomenon that highlights serious systemic failures in the protection of patients, especially children and families in sensitive emotional and social situations.
First, this phenomenon is directly related to the lack of sufficient, accessible and integrated services for children with developmental disorders, including autism. When the public system does not provide structured support, ongoing therapy, professional orientation and accurate information, citizens remain lonely and desperate, easily falling prey to false and misleading claims.
Secondly, we are dealing with a lack of effective institutional control and oversight of pseudomedical practices, especially in informal and online spaces, where individuals without a license and without professional responsibility promote dangerous "treatments", without being punished in time.
Third, the low level of health education and public information on autism spectrum disorders creates a breeding ground for misinformation. Autism is not a “curable” disease, but a condition that requires multidisciplinary intervention, long-term support, and respect for the dignity of the child and family.
PRAK welcomes the reaction of the Ministry of Health and the confirmation of the Kosovo Police that the case is being handled in coordination with the state prosecution. These steps are necessary, but not sufficient if they remain only a reaction after the fact.
Children's health is not protected only by investigations after the harm has occurred, but by prevention, regulation, and active surveillance.
PRAK requests that this case serve as a turning point and calls for:
– Rapid and transparent institutional action, with public information on the epilogue of the case and the measures taken.
– Strengthening health and intersectoral inspection mechanisms to identify and stop dangerous pseudomedical practices.
– Expansion and structuring of public services for children with autism, including early diagnosis, therapies and support for families.
– Ongoing health education campaigns, in collaboration with patient organizations and civil society, to combat misinformation.
– Clear establishment of legal responsibility for any individual who deceives and endangers the health of children under the guise of "alternative treatments".
PRAK reiterates that the right to health, safety and science-based treatment is non-negotiable, and that the protection of patients, especially children, must be a real priority, not just a declarative one.
The Patients' Rights Association in Kosovo remains ready to contribute to preventing such cases in the future.
