Autism and quality of life: Italy and the United States in dialogue in New York
By Serafino Corti
Coordinator of the Technical Scientific Committee of the National Observatory on the Condition of Persons with Disabilities
On 10 September 2026, the international seminar 'New Horizons for the Inclusion and Wellbeing of People with Autism' was held at the Italian Trade Agency offices in Manhattan. It was promoted and organised by Minister for Disabilities Alessandra Locatelli together with Theresa Hamlin, CEO of The Center for Discovery (TCFD).
Minister Locatelli's presence reflected the Italian Government's commitment to bringing Italy's experience in disability policy into an international dimension and to making the quality of life of people with autism a priority in public policy. This was also the purpose of the meeting: to launch a concrete exchange of good practices between the Italian experience and that of TCFD.
The seminar was the outcome of a broad and in-depth bilateral dialogue comparing models and experiences in the clinical, scientific and inclusion fields. Sharing knowledge developed through practical experience made it possible to integrate different approaches, promote the dissemination of the most effective methods and, ultimately, propose practical tools for improving the daily lives of people with autism and their families.
The programme was organised into three scientific symposia, each devoted to an essential dimension of quality of life.
Health and wellbeing. The first session, with Dr Kara Margolis, Dr Jennifer Franck, Dr Keith Rico and Dr Roberto Keller, highlighted how diet, precision nutrition and the management of food selectivity are decisive factors in a person's overall health. Alongside nutrition, experiences in inclusive sport and leisure were presented as opportunities for movement, relationships and personal choice.
Supporting complexity. The second panel addressed challenging behaviours, which can often be linked to specific causes: unrecognised medical conditions such as pain or sleep disorders, psychopathological conditions associated with autism, living environments, or the use of communication methods that are not appropriate for the person. The Italian speakers also presented the National Behavioural Emergencies Network, coordinated by the Italian National Institute of Health, as an example of an integrated care model that can be replicated in other settings. These complex issues were presented clearly and accessibly by Professor Natascia Brondino, Dr Giovanni Miselli, Dr Johanna Lantz and Professor Lee Wachtel.
Employment inclusion. The final symposium, featuring Alyce Sherwood, Jillian Forman, Laura Delfino, Katia Mignogna and Germana Cola, focused on work not only as a right, but also as an opportunity to develop self-esteem, dignity and personal autonomy. The discussion addressed the importance of choosing tasks consistent with each person's preferences and skills, as well as the role of employment inclusion support for both the person with autism and their colleagues and employers. The Italian good practices presented showed how the various tools available within the Italian model, from employment in social cooperatives to participation in the competitive labour market, provide a fundamental opportunity to recognise the talents of every person with autism and a resource for the whole community.
The seminar concluded with remarks by Minister Locatelli, who reiterated the importance of international cooperation and the commitment to continue the dialogue launched in New York so that shared experiences can become practical tools for improving the quality of life of people with autism and their families.