Autism

Autism: In Rome a road map for friendly and welcoming public places

Recently, an idea born from the parents of Pablo, a nice boy affected by Autism, evolved into the creation of an App called "Ciao Amici" developed by Monk Software. 
Karl Zinny and Alessia Condo', Pablo's parents, used to put stickers outside of shops so that their child could easily recognize them. The idea worked so well that it has been shared on Facebook and many parents took part to the project reporting other shops and public places that they found particularly friendly and welcoming for their children.

Thus Rome has been extensively mapped to trace the places preferred by people affected by Autism. On the website www.iosonopablo.it, it's available a list of 'accredited' places in continuous evolution. Karl Zinny, Pablo's father reports that they are receiving so many requests from bar, restaurants, shops that the list needs to be continually upgraded. He adds that indicating the 'friendly places', boys and girls can easily go out feeling safe, comfortable and serene. They know that they can go in a place where they will be welcome by smiling, nice and friendly people. This increases their confidence and independence.

The project was born around San Saba, Garbatella e Testaccio, where Pablo, the project testimonial, lives but it's rapidly spreading in all areas of Rome. The App, easy-to-use, beside a road-map of 'friendly places' indicating the route to reach them, has also got a calendar to fix appointments and events.
The project has been sponsored by the 'Municipio I' of Rome and it has been proposed as 'Activity of Alternation between School and Work'

From Leggo 33 on 23 November 2018
La Republica.it 8 November 2018