The 2020 budget law established the “Fund for Disability and Non-Self-Sufficiency” with the aim of streamlining and simplifying policies for non-self-sufficiency and disability. In 2022, the fund was renamed the “Fund for Policies in Favor of People with Disabilities,” with an annual increase of €50 million from 2023 to 2026. Law No. 227 of 2021, effective on December 31, 2021, delegated authority over disability matters to the government. The “Support Decree” created the “Fund for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities,” and the 2022 budget law increased its allocation for 2022 and 2023. This fund covers various areas, including employment inclusion and accessible tourism, with a specific focus on individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

The 2019 budget law confirmed allocations for non-self-sufficiency and disability, also increasing funds for the “After Us Fund” and the regional fund for caregivers. In 2021, a new fund was established for recognizing the non-professional activity of caregivers, with an annual allocation of €30 million for the 2021-2023 triennium. In 2022, this fund was increased by an additional €50 million annually for the 2022-2024 triennium, reaching a final allocation of €80 million for 2022. The 2022 budget law created a fund to enhance support services for students with disabilities in schools, with €100 million annually from 2022.

Finally, the same 2022 budget law increased the “Municipal Solidarity Fund” to improve school transportation for students with disabilities, with a growing allocation from €30 million in 2022 to €120 million annually from 2027.

Anffas is dedicated to building a world where individuals with intellectual disabilities and neurodevelopmental disorders, along with their families, can experience their rights being respected and fully upheld. The organization is unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the rights of individuals with disabilities across all situations, without compromising or adjusting their inherent value. Anffas underscores the vital role of supporting families in enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals with disabilities, asserting that this responsibility should extend beyond families to include the Italian state. Anffas encourages the removal of economic and social obstacles to better fulfill this responsibility.

Championing social inclusion, Anffas highlights the crucial role of fostering communities in providing care for individuals. The organization recognizes the importance of services branded under the Anffas name in bolstering the skills of individuals with disabilities, thereby facilitating their social integration. Ultimately, Anffas pledges to operate in strict accordance with regulations and transparency, aspiring to set an example for communities. This commitment aims to counteract the prevalent trend of disregarding rules and overlooking the common good in the social sphere.

It is a foundation that aggregates associations of family members of people with autism, associations of people with disabilities, scientific societies, private non-profit foundations and moral entities, which since 2015 share the common goal of promoting a culture attentive to the needs and rights of people with autism. Since 2020, the Presidency of the Council of Ministers has actively supported the aims of the FIA by expressing a member in the Board of Directors.

“The National Association of Parents for People with Autism (ANGSA) was founded in 1985 to advocate for the rights of individuals with autism and their families. Comprising parents, family members, guardians, and individuals on the autism spectrum, it is a Social Promotion Association (APS) and a Non-profit Organization of Social Utility (Onlus).”

The text concerns the care of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) under National Law No. 134/2015. This law establishes interventions necessary to guarantee health, improve living conditions and promote the social and work inclusion of people with ASD. The Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) is in charge of updating the guidelines (LG) based on the evolution of scientific knowledge. The LG include 27 recommendations and 1 indication of good clinical practice on diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and medication. Diagnosis is considered fundamental in order to initiate proper care. Recommended interventions should be conducted by trained professionals. A personalised approach is suggested, considering the patient’s age, profile and context. Pharmacological interventions should be part of a broader approach, also integrating non-pharmacological interventions. The recommendations are aimed at healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and care of people with ASD, offering decision support to balance benefits and adverse effects.

The recommendations generated in the development of the Guidelines are addressed to all healthcare professionals and socio-health professionals involved in the processes of diagnosing and managing children, adolescents, and adults on the autism spectrum. In the specialist professional context, they serve as a decision support tool aimed at facilitating the adoption of interventions that provide a better balance between benefits and undesired effects. For individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, the formulated recommendations offer operational guidance and knowledge on useful and necessary practices to improve their health status. The updated production of recommendations ensures up-to-date guidance on the educational choices to be promoted among professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

In the municipality of Coredo, located in the province of Trento, Casa Sebastiano has been inaugurated through the commitment of six families. The facility is poised to become the most advanced center in Europe for the care and hospitality of young individuals on the autism spectrum. The innovative feature of Casa Sebastiano lies in relieving families of any financial burden. Within the facility, young individuals on the autism spectrum will participate in intensive programs with the goal of enhancing their social skills. The center offers intervention programs for young people aged 0 to 16, a day center, a residential facility for those over 16, and parent training programs.

Il Tortellante is a therapeutic and habilitative workshop where individuals, both young and adult, on the autistic spectrum learn the art of making tortellini. These stuffed pasta delicacies, originating from the Modena area and now renowned worldwide, are characterized by a delectable filling encased in a delicate egg pasta sheet. Crafted by skillful hands, the pasta is shaped into a distinctive form, often likened to the legendary likeness of Venus’ navel.
Commencing in January 2016, the project incorporates habilitation and training activities aimed at enhancing autonomy. Notably, it has proven to be a model of successful inclusion, actively engaging the entire community.