April 2 marks World Autism Awareness Day, an occasion to raise public awareness and promote a society that is increasingly inclusive of people on the autism spectrum.
“Autistic people do not experience emotions“, “they cannot have a good quality of life“, “they are all the same“: these are just some of the myths that still accompany autism today. To counter them, ANGSA (National Association of Parents of Autistic Individuals) Novara Vercelli, together with the Enrico Micheli Association for Autism ETS, promote awareness and information initiatives.
The cultural shift is at the heart of the social campaign #stopfalsimitiautismo, which aims to overcome stereotypes and prejudices, particularly those linked to the quality of life of autistic people. The message is clear: a good quality of life is possible when supported by opportunities, respect, and appropriate supports. Scientific evidence and clinical experience show that, with appropriate interventions, people on the autism spectrum can develop autonomy, skills, and meaningful life trajectories, actively participating in the community.
«In Italy, progress is being made in early diagnosis and care pathways, but we cannot ignore the daily difficulties faced by families, especially during the transition to adulthood», – says Priscila Beyersdorf Pasino, president of ANGSA Novara Vercelli. – There is a need for greater continuity of services and a profound cultural change.
According to the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), in Italy one in 77 children (ages 7-9) has an autism spectrum disorder, with a higher prevalence in boys. Internationally, the estimated prevalence ranges from 1% to 2% of the population, suggesting that there are several hundred thousand autistic people in our country.
Autism in Adulthood: Challenges and Emerging Needs
The campaign unfolds through a series of short videos posted on the promoting associations’ social channels, giving voice directly to autistic people, families, and professionals. The testimonies highlight concrete experiences of autonomy, relationships, work, and planning, helping to convey the complexity and uniqueness of each individual beyond the diagnosis.
It also questions the stereotype that autism would completely define the person, as well as the idea that autistic people must adapt to the context. Instead, there is a strong call for a society capable of evolving, building accessible, understandable, and inclusive environments. Families also find space in the narrative, countering the prejudice that they cannot achieve a good quality of life: direct experiences show that effective services and an adequate support network can make a difference.
“People are not labels” and “don’t change the person, change the contexts” are some of the campaign’s key messages, which conclude with a collective call: build quality of life beyond every stereotype. “We must move beyond a narrative of autism based on limits and simplifications,” continues the president. “Autism is not a label that defines a person: breaking down stereotypes means recognizing rights, dignity, and possibilities.”
The data confirm that autism is not a marginal condition but a reality affecting a growing number of families and requiring structured responses across the entire lifespan. In healthcare and policy terms, significant progress has been made in recent years, also thanks to the 2024 disability reform: from national guidelines to care models that are increasingly personalized, multidisciplinary, and ongoing.
However, substantial regional disparities persist and, above all, a shortage of adequate services for adulthood remains. It is therefore essential to strengthen care pathways, with the aim of improving quality of life and ensuring equal opportunities and inclusion at all stages of the life cycle.
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