Autism doesn't stop us. "Aut Out," how we created a summer program tailored for kids on the spectrum.

Filippo will turn 14 in September. He just finished eighth grade and loves cycling and being outdoors. He's curious, sociable, and like many teenagers, enjoys spending time with his friends. There's only one difference between them, insignificant to say the least, but one that impacts his everyday life: Filippo has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder since he was very young. At three years old, he began attending a specialized center in Scandicci: first one-on-one therapy, twice a day, five days a week; then, as his skills grew, he began working in small groups, eventually building a core group of peers with specific goals of personal independence.

"In the winter," explains their father, Francesco Dionori , "they do activities to learn how to cook, clean up, and do their homework on their own. Or they tutor the little ones. This has also changed the way they experience the summer. At home, the independence they've gained helps, but outside, it's a different story: finding suitable activities is difficult; many close during these months, and for those run by associations, you have to start as early as February or March. If you arrive late, you risk being left without a place."

Is “Universo Autismo” born from this difficulty?

"Yes. We founded it last year, initially to unite parents and lobby institutions for reimbursement for therapies. Then unexpected contributions arrived—including from major banks—and we found ourselves managing funds. We went from being a collector of information between families to becoming promoters and, in some cases, direct providers of services."

And so the “Aut Out” project was born.

The name means "Autism Outside." Because beyond therapy, our children need shared experiences, to go out, to feel part of the community. Thanks to a substantial donation, we've organized a program of summer outings: ten already completed, plus four more in September. We've taken the kids to the adventure park, to Pisa for a cultural trip, to the paleontological museum in Empoli, trekking along the Sentierelsa trail... simple, "ordinary" activities that often not even neurotypical kids do anymore. And yet, for ours, they have enormous value.

How many kids were able to participate?

Seven, out of over 90 we support in Florence and other areas. Unfortunately, costs forced us to make a selection. We involved therapists and behavior analysts to develop the activities: the project cost €10,000, covered by private funding. But quality and safety come first.

How much does a summer of activities typically cost for a child on the spectrum ?

"A lot. In a private setting, two full weeks in a specialized center can cost €750-800. With Aut Out, ten sessions cost us €25 each, so €250 in total for activities from 8 am to 2 pm, including admissions and insurance. Over the year, just for Filippo's treatments, I spend about €800 a month: the Region reimburses something, but you have to apply and pass a very selective committee. It seems like they're trying to fund as little as possible."

And when the center closes, how do you organize your days?

It's a tight fit. We alternate our vacations: I take part, my wife another, to cover the weeks when there's nothing. Sometimes Filippo comes to the office with me: we do homework, do some reading, maybe play Nintendo to pass the morning. Other times he stays with my wife, who, however, works remotely and is often on conference calls. We don't have any family help, except for a grandmother who lives in Montevarchi. This is a burden, especially in the summer.

Have you ever encountered discrimination on vacation?

More than actual discrimination, I'd say it's a lack of understanding. We love traveling and started taking our son on planes when he was little, discovering that he loves the mountains, but he's very bored at the beach, so perhaps his stereotypes emerge more. Abroad, I've always found greater attention and fewer prejudices. In Italy, until a few years ago, even asking for a reduced ticket for a disability was an ordeal: you had to convince the employee of your child's condition. Now, something is changing: there are more inclusive programs, like the one at Florence Airport for those with cognitive disabilities. But not everywhere. At Italian airports, for example, there's a problem using the preferential lanes if you're not in a wheelchair, while in other countries, a disability card is enough.

Sport seems to play an important role in Filippo's life.

“A lot. It helps him calm down and self-regulate. He does athletics twice a week and tennis once a week, and he's been swimming for years. And he loves cycling: in 2022 and 2023, thanks to crowdfunding, we organized cycling holidays in Trentino and the Trabocchi Coast. He came back tired, but calm. And at home, he was more relaxed.”

Besides sports, do you have any other passions?

"Yes, she writes little diaries—an activity she started with her speech therapist three years ago—and like many teenagers, she loves Nintendo. Lately, she's been craving the company of friends, but in the summer, it's difficult to organize outings with them, which is why we try to make up for it with the association's activities."

He'll start agricultural school in September. A deliberate choice?

"Let's say it was a well-thought-out decision by his mother and me. Filippo loves being outdoors and working in the garden, an activity he's already experimenting with at the center. After three years of middle school 8 kilometers from home, in an inclusive but distant school, we chose the nearby agricultural school. The disability office is very organized, and we've heard positive experiences from other kids. We hope that, within a few years, he'll be able to go to school on his own."

What do you hope for the future of “Universo Autismo”?

"Let this year not be an isolated incident. We've shown that a different summer is possible: accessible, inclusive, and stimulating. But the institutional void is enormous and can't be filled with private funding alone. As long as there are families willing to roll up their sleeves, our kids will continue to go out, meet, and live. And that, for me, is worth every effort."