One in 31 children has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (US data). Over the last 22 years, cases reported by the ADDM (Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring) system have increased from 67 per 10,000 children in 2000 to 322 per 10,000 in 2022—almost five times as many in just over two decades. This figure highlights the urgent need to raise public awareness and promote the inclusion of people on the autism spectrum.
To mark World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), established by the United Nations General Assembly on 2nd April, UniCamillus University has organised a special event to place at the centre the dignity, rights and value of every life.
The theme for World Autism Awareness Day 2026 is ‘Autism and Humanity: Every Life Has Value’.
The UniCamillus initiative and the student seminar
The event has been promoted and coordinated by Dr Michele Sorrentino, a child neuropsychiatrist and a lecturer at UniCamillus, and will feature active student participation.
From 2pm to 3pm, a seminar entitled ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder: facts, myths, controversies and prospects’ took place. During this seminar, the students led the discussion based on Dr Sorrentino’s insights into epidemiological and clinical data, major scientific controversies, and diagnostic and intervention strategies. The aim was to make data, evidence and key concepts accessible to the public by offering a participatory science-communication experience.
Public debate: from early intervention to life planning
From 3 pm to 4 pm, the public debate ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder: from early intervention to life planning’ took place, promoted by Dr Sorrentino. The event featured contributions from key institutional, academic and advocacy figures: the debate opened with a video message from Minister Alessandra Locatelli, head of the Italian Government’s Ministry for Disabilities, and Giovanni Lo Storto, former General Director of LUISS Guido Carli, Senior Advisor of the FS Corporate Academy and Board Member of Pirelli and Banca Mediolanum. Speakers attending in person included Danilo Catania, Vice President of ANGSA Lazio; Rita Valentini, President of Gruppo Asperger Lazio ODV and Board Member of Gruppo Asperger APS; and Professor Francesco Di Salle, Full Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Salerno.
Minister Locatelli: innovating services and supporting families with ASD
In her message, Minister Locatelli states: “2nd April is World Autism Awareness Day, an opportunity to highlight the significant work carried out by the Government through the Disability Reform and Life Plans, aimed at innovating services, supporting families and creating new opportunities. Every year, we address different aspects of ASD, bringing together experts, associations, families and individuals with ASD to discuss training, employment, autonomy and independent living. We are developing best practices even for the most complex cases and aiming for flexible, inclusive care models. This is the right path”.
Understanding the complexity of autism
“Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex and lifelong neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent difficulties in communication and social interaction, together with restricted interests and repetitive behaviour patterns”, explains Dr Sorrentino. “70% have at least one associated mental health condition, and 40% have two or more, including intellectual disability, ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety and other medical conditions”.
The increase in cases is due to changes in diagnostic criteria, improved diagnostic capacity and greater public awareness. “ASD is a multifactorial condition: around 80% of its contribution is genetic, while 20% depends on environmental factors”, adds Dr Sorrentino.
Dr Sorrentino also clarifies the clinical complexity: “With the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), several previously separate disorders were incorporated into the autism spectrum, resulting in clinical presentations that can differ greatly from one another. Some researchers propose distinguishing ‘prototypical’ or classic autism from syndromic autism, meaning autism associated with other genetic conditions. Researchers at Princeton University have also attempted to divide autism into four subgroups by considering symptoms, comorbidities, developmental delays and genetic factors”.
Autism: how to recognise, diagnose and treat it
“Identifying early risk signs is essential for timely intervention and for reducing the impact of the disorder”, continues Dr Sorrentino. “Children who will later develop ASD already show, in the first months of life, differences in social communication and social attention, in eye gaze, facial expressions, gestures, sounds and social smiling, as well as in motor skills”.
Tools such as the M-CHAT-R/F, and especially the SACS and the ASDetect app, help identify these signs by analysing typical social behaviours such as eye contact, imitation, response to name, pointing, social smiling and early forms of conversation. However, Dr Sorrentino emphasises that, “although these tools are scientifically validated, they are not yet widely used. Diagnosis remains clinical, based on observation and interview, supported by some standardised instruments”.
“Intervention must be early and comprehensive, involving parents and the family unit, and adapting to the child’s individual needs,” adds Dr Sorrentino. “Scientifically validated models include behavioural approaches (ABA), mixed behavioural-neurodevelopmental approaches (ESDM, JASPER), neurodevelopmental approaches (DIR), and parent-centred programmes (PACT-G)”.
Inclusion and the celebration of differences
“Inclusivity requires a creative transformation,” explains Dr Giovanni Lo Storto. “We must move from Lifelong Learning to Life LargeLearning: a form of learning that expands in breadth, encompassing experiences, relationships and humanity. Diversity is not a filter or a barrier, but a synergy capable of changing the way we think.”
Dr Lo Storto provides concrete examples: “Inclusion means recognising that the other person has a first name, a surname and a story. Inclusivity is not learned from books, but by working directly with people. Experiences such as horticultural therapy with young people on the autism spectrum have shown that, when placed in an environment that values their abilities, they stop being perceived as a ‘problem’ and become a resource. The shared garden becomes a space where differences fade and people learn to collaborate for the common good”.
“Regardless of the stereotypes or labels that society tends to create, every person perceives, thinks and interacts with the world in a unique way”, says Rector Profita. “Clinical definitions, such as those for autism, cannot capture the full complexity of an individual. Every experience is unique and unrepeatable. Our task is to create pathways that allow each person to fully express their abilities, valuing what makes them unique. Recognising and supporting these individual differences is what makes society fairer, more inclusive and richer. Being different from one another is not a limitation, but an enrichment for everyone”.