1993 | In collaboration with ANFFAS Milan, a group of parents active in the autism area formed an association, with the aim of providing information and promoting public awareness. The association's primary objective was to promote services and structures for individuals with autism appropriate to all age groups. Contacts were established with health and other professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychiatrists, educators) with an up-to-date outlook on autism in line with parental requirements, i.e.: Autism viewed as a mental disability and education viewed as a primary resource to treat it It was however necessary to involve public bodies in order to achieve a change within existing structures, in which autistic children did not find sufficient space for the treatment of their disability or, if they were receiving treatment, this was inadequate in relation to their psychological needs. Relations were therefore established with the regional administration in Lombardy, the municipality of Milan and the local education authority (Provveditorato agli Studi) in Milan Some parents also approached the Lombardy Region's Health Minister to highlight the needs of families with autistic individuals and the serious deficiencies at all levels of the health services in relation to this disability. As a result, the Regional Government approved the setting up of a Technical and Scientific Working Group on Autism Comprising four representatives of parents. Top of page
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1994 | Project Autistic Syndrome was conceived and delineated. The group's deliberations were observed by the parent representatives who were invited to voice their opinions. Top of page
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1995 | The Regional Government approved Project Autistic Syndrome. Top of page
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1996 | The Group lobbied the authorities about the Project, obtaining two deliberations by the Regional Government favourable to the creation of A regional monitoring agency on autism (Osservatorio regionale sull'autismo), collaborating with Azienda USSL No. 8 di Merate and assisted by a technical regional committee for the supervision of the monitoring agency. A consultative Committee for accurate information on the problems of autism. The Committee included those parents who had earlier participated in the work of the technical and scientific working group.
The Committee's brief was to create an experimental initiative, Project Autistic Syndrome,
during the following two years.
The Regional Institute for Professional Training, IREF, offered a theoretical and practical course on autism with the cooperation of ANFFAS from June to September. Also in September, 1996 ANGSA held an international seminar for parents and teachers, The Schooling of Children with Autism At the Fondazione Pro Iuventute Don C. Gnocchi in Milan Top of page
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1997 | An international seminar on Educational Strategies for Autism was held in May in cooperation with the Municipality of Cinisello Balsamo. An international conference on Autism As a Specific Disability was held in December at the University of Milan, on the occasion of European Handicap Week. The Consultative Committee for accurate information on the problems of autism completed its deliberations. The Monitoring Agency (Osservatorio) collected data on services available in Lombardy and publishes its findings. It also commenced publication of a Bulletin containing interviews or reports by parents affiliated to ANGSA – Lombardia. ANGSA – Lombardia joined Autism Europe. Top of page
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1998 | In April, ANGSA-Lombardia held a course on Communication strategies of the autistic child designed for teachers and principals in nursery, primary and high schools. A practical course on Educational strategies under the TEACCH programme was subsequently held in Prato in May, in cooperation with the local Opera S. Rita The Milan municipality launched an experimental initiative for autistic adolescents and adults in collaboration with ANGSA-LOMBARDIA. Within GLIP's Special Projects committee, an Autism Group (Gruppo Autismo) was established in collaboration with the Milan local education authority. It consists of a consortium of schools one representative from an ASL (local health unit) one official from the local education authority's Research and Planning Department one ANGSA representative.
With a view to This experiment was taking place in two schools, one in Milan and one in Cinisello Balsamo. Top of page
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1999 | In partnership with other European organizations (French, Irish, Greek, Portuguese, Spanish and Belgian) and with the approval of the Ministry of Employment, ANGSA-Lombardia joined Project Horizon, a scheme designed to create employment opportunities within the European Union's employment strategies, under the heading of Autism Novofocus Italy. This scheme was then extended into the following year. In June, ANGSA-Lombardia took part in a international seminar, How to train autistic persons for the workplace - The European and Lombard Experience Exchange visits took place, within Project Echan, between ANGSA and specialist rehabilitation centres in EU countries in partnership with other European organizations in Luxembourg, Belgium, Spain, Germany and France. In July, ANGSA-Lombardia promoted a scheme for community accommodation for adolescents and adults with autism, which was presented to the Department for Family and Social issues by Cooperativa Spazio Aperto Servizi. The scheme was approved in the following August but was turned down by the national Government due to the lack of accommodation facilities. With the collaboration of Opleidingscentrum in Antwerp, ANGSA-Lombardia promoted a practical course on autism in September at Sacra Famiglia in Cesano Boscone. The course was funded by Milan Province. The regional Lombard Government agreed to ANGSA-Lombardia's request to extend Osservatorio Autismo for another year. The technical committee responsible for the monitoring and supervision of the scheme was reconfirmed. Representatives of parents were co-opted to the Committee. In October, ANGSA-Lombardia held a seminar entitled The Autistic Syndrome at La Nostra Famiglia in Bosisio Parini, in collaboration with Istituto E. Medea and the Lombardy Region's Osservatorio Autismo. This seminar was funded by Lecco Province and private donors. ANGSA-Lombardia continued to experiment with structured education in schools. One member of the Executive Committee was delegated to attend meetings at the Provveditorato (Local Education Authority offices) as spokesperson for the Association. Also in October, Milan's Provveditore agli Studi (Chief Local Education Officer) circularised all local schools to collect data on students with autism who were attending school. With the collaboration of the Rotary Club, ANGSA-Lombardia approached the management of Ospedale S. Paolo. The first outcome was the establishment of a fast-track procedure for dental treatment available to young persons with autism. The Hospital confirms its availability in relation to other initiatives flagged in the area of paediatrics and neuropsychiatry. Following significant initiatives such as the Rotary Club held an evening function in support of autism research on 8 November. Top of page
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2000 | Since the solution to the problems of autistic persons can only occur through the creation of a network of appropriate services, ANGSA Lombardia advocated the formulation of a Global Project as a first step, to be based on the determinations of a series of top-level meetings. On 22 February, the representatives of ANGSA Lombardia met the Premier of Lombardy Region, the Hon. R. Formigoni, with a view to delineating the problems of autistic individuals and the need for a comprehensive approach to autism within the scope of Lombardy Region's Project Autistic Syndrome. Furthermore, ANGSA Lombardia announced the submission of a global project on autism and the setting-up of a permanent committee on autism. The Hon. Formigoni confirmed his availability and support required for the implementation of these requests. On 25 February, a Course for Project Horizon executives took place. On 23 March, the possibility of revitalizing Project Community Accommodation on an experimental basis was flagged at a meeting between Mr Colozzi and the Chief Executives for Health Services, Mr Botti, and for Social Initiatives, Mr De Ruvo. Subsequently, at a meeting with Ms Pisapia (Health Services) and Ms Matucci (Social Issues), it was agreed that there was a need to create a Committee on Autism Issues, which would include representatives of parents. Also, it was decided to ask Osservatorio Autismo to give an account of its activities. Thanks to the good offices of Fr Virginio Colmegna,  chairperson of Caritas Ambrosiana, ANGSA Lombardia, which had  hitherto operated without its own premises, was offered office space in Via Copernico 5 in Milan c/o Istituto S. Vincenzo, with an option to use other facilities nearby. Within a few months, the office was equipped with a telephone, a fax machine and a computer. The computer was generously donated by the Rotary Club, Milan South-West, on the initiative of Mr Reale and Mr Bazzi on behalf of Rotary. These were the beginnings of a fruitful collaboration between the Association and Rotary. The official opening took place on 13 April 2000 A group of parents, members of ANGSA Lombardia, began drafting a project for the establishment of a network of schools capable of providing teaching structured in accordance with established criteria. In June, ANGSA Lombardia submitted to the regional government a project for community accommodation for autistic subjects, based on the principles of structured education. This was subsequently approved by the Regional administration, pending the allocation of funds by the Department of Social Issues. A number of autism professionals met at the ANGSA office to prepare a scheme in relation to the use of leisure. There was an opportunity to obtain premises at Istituto S. Vincenzo for these activities. On 15, 16 and 17 June ANGSA Lombardia held, at Ospedale A. Manzoni in Lecco, a theory-based course styled TEACCH: a structured educational scheme for the integration of people with autism and communication difficulties with the participation of Mr Theo Peeters and Ms Hilde Leclerq from Opleidingscentrum in Antwerp. On 29 September a meeting was held with Mr Massari (the Milan Municipal Department of Social Services, Disability Section) to put forward a collaborative scheme among cooperatives and associations responsible for the planning of holidays and leisure time activities for children and adults with autism. In October, a scheme was drafted for a network of schools for autistic children, comprising This scheme obtained funding from the regional administration. In the framework of ANGSA Lombardia's policy to involve the public administration, on 9 October its representatives met Mr Tambini and Mr Bolis (ministers for Family Issues and Social Solidarity) and subsequently forwarded to them a document outlining the priorities of parents of autistic subjects, and nominating individuals and departments for membership of the Committee on Autism. On 21 October, “ANGSA Lombardia onlus” (a non-profit-making organization) was formally established. Its status was that of a non-incorporated association, and was granted autonomous status as member of the national “ANGSA - Associazione Nazionale Genitori Soggetti Autistici onlus”. On 11 November an election took place for the current Executive Committee. In November, ANGSA Lombardia submitted to the regional administration a draft of its Global Autism Project. On 20 and 21 November, an international seminar within Project Horizon was held at the Centro Congressi della Provincia di Milano. The seminar was sponsored by ANGSA-Lombardia and organized by Coop. Cascina Bianca. It was attended by ANGSA Lombardia's European partners. Top of page
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2001 | At the invitation of Rotary International, ANGSA Lombardia joined the Joint Committee (Comitato Interassociativo) comprising representatives of other associations, the Rotary Club and Inner Wheel with a view to implementing operational priorities in synergy. Among our most pressing requests are: a residential facility open on weekends and providing emergency services as well as leisure and holiday activities; a support network for families ; quality control of services under the supervision of Mr Theo Peeters; strengthening the experimental centres in the Lombardy Region; a School Network project; co-ordination of health requirements over a whole lifetime (in cooperation with Ospedale S. Paolo); a training course for health professionals; a conference on experimental work to be held by various agencies and to include benchmarking; a conference on therapeutic drugs and autism; setting up Autism Units within the vocational training centres; establishing a permanent Training Centre; collaboration with Caritas Ambrosiana; researching and creating employment opportunities for the integration of individuals with autism.
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2002 | A number of meetings took place, and several cooperation agreements were reached with representatives of public authorities, private individuals, associations etc. with the objective of achieving global coordinated continuous care programs and an integrated network of health, social and educational facilities. In particular, we have been pursuing for many years the basic objective of establishing a close and coherent cooperation between services, institutions and families, as well as a POLITICAL PROGRAM foreshadowing the setting-up of appropriate services for the various age groups and for each developmental level.
It is of the essence that people with autism, irrespective of age, not be denied the fundamental right to lead a full, rewarding life, according to individual skills. Specifically, we advocated: the training of teachers, operatives, parents, siblings and volunteers, through courses, conferences and focused meetings; autism research, generally and also through the dissemination of information, conference participation and the activities of the Comitato Interassociativo Rotary; official recognition of the Guidelines for the care of autistic patients; the prosecution of the project ‘School Network for Autism’, involving 35 schools and 80 schoolchildren with autism; the strengthening and expansion of the eight experimental autism centers, which host about 100 patients with autism and were created through a Lombardy Region experimental initiative, named ‘Autistic Syndrome Project’ (approved through Regional Statute V/64960 of 07.03.1995), by the ‘Technical and scientific working group on autistic syndrome’, in cooperation with ANGSA Lombardia; the achievement of the residential Community Project ‘Sole e luna’, on the basis of an agreement protocol between the Fondazione Istituto Sacra Famiglia and ANGSA Lombardia; the promotional activities of the Association, the awareness-raising and fund-raising work during Eco-Sundays, on Autism National Day and participation in Avon Running and Telethon; collaboration with ANGSA Nazionale and other national and international associations.
Moreover, we strengthened our Internet site, which has so far attracted about one hundred visitors per week, and is contributing to the dissemination of information on autism as well as making the Association known throughout the world, with daily exchanges of correspondence; mailed out Newsletters and other items of interest to Members who had forwarded their fax or e-mail addresses; established an on-line home office providing home-based secretarial help to all those who wished to collaborate; collaborated with Opera Diocesana Istituto S. Vincenzo which agreed to our request for larger office space now and in the future.
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2003 | European Year of the Disabled
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Our Association continued to pursue its primary objective of establishing an integrated network of health, social and educational services through a POLITICAL PROGRAM involving the setting-up of appropriate facilities for the various age groups and for each developmental level; a close, coherent cooperation between services, institutions and families; coordinated continuous total care programs.
To this end, many further meetings and collaborative schemes were arranged with representatives of public and private agencies, associations etc. Our Association joined the European awareness-raising campaign through an important conference on NEW PERSPECTIVES FOR AUTISM: LOMBARDY REGION’S EXPERIMENTAL PROJECT ‘AUTISTIC SYNDROME’ On this occasion a book was published, AUTISMO: MODELLI APPLICATIVI NEI SERVIZI (Autism: the application of models in services), which concerns the implementation of a psycho-educational program through In-Service training (Chapter 15: written by some representatives of ANGSA Lombardia) We continued with our 2002 activities, in particular with the project RETE DI SCUOLE PER L’AUTISMO School Network for Autism).
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2004 | Pressure was kept up on the representatives of the public sector towards the implementation of the PROGETTO SINDROME AUTISTICA REGIONE LOMBARDIA (Lombardy Region’s Autistic Syndrome Project), which comprises several specific projects, some of which are already underway. These activities took up a considerable amount of time in terms of the organization and participation in a cascade of meetings. Experimental Centers for Autism (Poli Sperimentali per l’Autismo): After the 4 June 2003 conference, NUOVE PROSPETTIVE PER L’AUTISMO (Fresh Perspectives on Autism), many meetings took place for the purpose of conducting further trials, involving other Centers which applied for membership of the POLI. Concomitantly, the training of Health professionals continued after a number of preparatory and organizational meetings. These activities concluded with a final meeting, on 13 May at the Fondazione Don Gnocchi, at which each Polo gave details of its experience, mainly on COMMUNICATION AND AUTISM. ‘Schools’ Project a feasibility study with a view to a continuation of the Project, with the cooperation of specialist agencies and with the Ufficio del diritto allo studio (Office for the right to education) organization of the 27 November meeting SCHOOL NETWORK FOR AUTISM: what next? – Comparing experiences
Sun and Moon Project - in Settimo Milanese: I requested several meetings with the directors of the Fondazione Istituto S. Famiglia in Cesano Boscone; with officials from Lombardy Region’s Department for Health and Department for the Family and Social Solidarity; and with officials from the Milan Municipality. We also continued to liaise with our Architect, Mr Branca, to work out the details of buildings and furnishings (for which ANGSA Lombardia contributed the sum of €3,000 donated by the Sempione Rotary Club), and observed the progress of the work. The opening will take place towards the end of the year. Progetto Spazio Autismo - Cascina Bianca (Quinto Romano) Its implementation involved several meetings and corrispondence with both the Region and the Milan Municipality. This Service commenced on 24 June, and concerns all age groups. Our Association cooperated in relation to the support network, the information channels, as well as a training course for health professionals, held in October. Progetto Autismo - Campus Bio-medico in via Rucellai, Milan Several meetings took place to report on the progress of the initial application, and on the plan for a Polyfunctional Autism Service. In particular, plans were flagged for an Experimental Center, with both a national and an international profile, involving exchanges of experts and researchers. The training of some professionals is underway in the USA with the help of scholarships. All the above Services will be pooled in a Center of Excellence for Autism. Its building in via Rucellai will also accommodate the permanent HQ of ANGSA Lombardia onlus. A charity dinner has been held for several years by the Associazione Amici del Campus Bio-medico with the cooperation of ANGSA Lombardia. The proceeds of the dinner are given to genetic research. REGIONAL CONFERENCE for the drafting of GUIDELINES ON AUTISM The Regional Conference, promoted by ANGSA Lombardia which tabled a preliminary draft, proceeded with further drafts through several meetings. The draft was inspired by a document on Autism presented during a number of meetings, dating back to 2003, within the Regional Plan for Childhood and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry. In addition to ANGSA Lombardia and Autismo Italia, about 10 distinguished Lombard professionals attended the meeting. After many requests, in a meeting at the Department of Health held on 5 August, our Association obtained permission to establish a regional working group to draft a Chart on coordinated, continuous and global patient care. On the following 26 November, the General Directorate for Public Health, in collaboration with the Department for the Family and Social Solidarity, approved the ‘official establishment of a regional working group to define intervention procedures for Autism in relation to childhood neuropsychiatry services’. MAIN MEETINGS AND DATES ‘Theme meetings’ have been scheduled on Cascina Rossago (24 April) and Autism School Network (27 November), as well as a meeting of members’ families named ‘picnic in the garden’, c/o Spazio Autismo, Quinto Romano near Milan (16 October). NATIONAL AUTISM DAY on 2 JUNE ANGSA Lombardia set up three stands this year: in Milan (Piazza Castello), in Monza (Largo Mazzini) and in Lacchiarella near Milan. FURTHER EVENTS/ACTIVITIES of the year Phone-in and advisory service for families, carried out through telephone calls or e-mails. At the end of the year, we had to move out of our office in via Copernico. Early in 2005 our HQ was relocated to Viale Lunigiana 40, Milano. Top of page
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2005 | The Association relocated to new premises in February. Its new address is viale Lunigiana 40 Milano. Telephone numbers are unchanged. There has been a remarkable increase in the number of people accesing the Association’s advisory service by telephone, regular mail and electronic mail. This demonstrates the high profile of the Association. Among ANGSA Lombardia’s new initiatives we would like to mention the launching of a weekly e-bulletin sent to its members. The bulletin contains social, administrative and legal updates, as well as information on the problems of Autism and general disabilities. We also advertise conferences, courses and other meetings taking place in Lombardy. At the Extraordinary General Meeting of 5 November, the new Constitution was adopted. It came into force in the following month, subsequent to its registration with the relevant authorities. During the year, several projects were further developed: Several meetings took place with Health Professionals who had promoted this experiment within schools, so as to complete a new format for the project. In May 2005, a Report was completed and forwarded to the relevant Authority, with a view to obtaining funding for the Project’s implementation.
Subsequent to meetings between the representatives of the Centers, it was agreed to continue with the program of ongoing training and experimentation which has been implemented over the past few years. It was then agreed to accept ANGSA Lombardia’s proposal to stage a Day of Training, Reflection and Discussion, with a view to examining all issues relating to Autism following guidelines of SINPIA, an Italian Association of Child Neuropsychiatrists.
We are awaiting final approval by the local health authorities to kickstart this project. Meanwhile, a meeting took place between the Mayor of Settimo Milanese, the President of ANGSA Lombardia and Dr Lucio Moderato from the Fondazione Istituto S. Famiglia to promote the social integration of people with Autism.
Day care services will also be provided in the first few months of 2006.
In cooperation with Dr Lucio Moderato of the Fondazione Istituto S. Famiglia, we drafted our Project and submitted it, on behalf of the Association, to the Milan Chamber of Commerce, with a view to obtaining a grant, equal to half of the yearly cost, for its implementation. In order to promote this Project, however, and to obtain a grant, it will be necessary to seek the cooperation of other Authorities, both to run it and to secure the rest of the funding.
Several meetings took place to get the Project underway. Trained health professionals and funding will be needed. Sporting clubs and relevant authorities will be involved in the Project.
ANGSA Lombardia signed an agreement with the Musicopoli Città delle Arti Association. Its representatives submitted projects available to people with Autism.
We are awaiting final approval from the Milan Municipality to restructure this Project.
Collaborative programmes have also been established with integrated global care (‘Superability’) respite and time away from family development and upgrading of the Association.
Cooperativa Sociale Cascina Bianca for the training of health professionals. Cascina Rossago under our sponsorship, aiming towards participation in a conference in Pavia, organized by Professor Barale. Cooperativa Il Germoglio, aiming to promote collaborative and advisory services. S. Paolo Hospital in Milan, aiming to promote meetings with parents. Rozzano Schools, aiming to promote meetings to initiate Autism projects. LEDHA, an Association for the Rights of Disabled People through participation in its initiatives and courses. Lombardy Region:
Health Department, aiming to achieve a final draft of a Report completed in January, headed ‘Diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations for people with Autism’ Department for Families and Social Solidarity, aiming to promote a research project, funded by the Health Ministry, called ‘Families facing Autism’. This Project involved many meetings, including a rather lengthy one which took place in our Office, with the aim of interviewing families to evince the priorities in the management of people with Autism.
Another report, ‘Problems relating to the care of people with Autism’, was also submitted to the Department of Health in order to further highlight deficiencies in services and related health workers. On 14 May, a meeting was held on the topic ‘Teenagers and Adults with Autism’, thanks to the cooperation of Milan Province, which made available its Sala Nuovo Spazio Guicciardini. Many health professionals and parents were present. We have also promoted a protocol between the Fondazione Istituto S. Famiglia in the person of Dr Lucio Moderato, and the Istituto Auxologico in the person of Dr Maria Teresa Bonati, to launch a research program on the genetic aspects of Autism. Finally, a draft was prepared for an innovative development project, I CARE AUTISM, which was also forwarded to the Secretariat of the European Parliament, whose cooperation has been requested towards implementation of the Project. Top of page
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2006 | Ask the expert: Patient care The projects I CARE AUTISM and GRANDE EVENTO were publicized and implemented, thanks to the cooperation of Drs Lucio Moderato, Romina Casagrande and Cristina Villanova. Information brochure I CARE AUTISM
A draft of a new information brochure on the history, goals and ongoing and future projects of ANGSA Lombardia was planned and compiled. The draft was submitted to Fondazione Luce, Fondazione Enel Cuore and other authorities.
An intervention plan was drafted and implemented, aiming at a coordinated, continuous and total patient care policy through placements in schools and workplaces, the planning and management of leisure time and eventually the creation of an emergency intervention program.
An agreement was mooted with Azienda Agricola Fratelli Bottoni in S. Vito di Gaggiano near Milan, with a view to placing autistic people within the workforce and integrating them into society. The first phase of the project will involve the packaging and labeling of rice under an ANGSA trademark. The second phase will involve the cultivation, packaging and sale of small fruit. The following projects have also been flagged:
This project was conceived through the goodwill and cooperation of Donatella Ferraris and her husband, Dr Roberto Porreca. It comprises two separate units in the Corbetta area near Milan: SORELLA LUNA: A 300 mq hostel (Comunità Alloggio) with an option for a 100mq extension (to be assessed), to accommodate eight guests, as well as one emergency bed. An agreement protocol was signed between ANGSA Lombardia and Dr Porreca, with a view to requesting funding and arranging a bank loan. Subsequently, ANGSA Lombardia drafted a declaration of intention involving Fondazione Istituto Sacra Famiglia as project directors.
FRATELLO SOLE: construction of a multi-purpose racecourse, suitable for international meetings, comprising a riding school, grooming facilities, stable maintenance and agritourism; use of an existing structure, Azienda Agricola S. Francesco, to grow small fruit trees (forest berries, etc.). An agreement will be signed between ANGSA Lombardia and Azienda Agricola San Francesco.
The whole project, involving total care, self-sufficiency in accommodation, and work placements, was submitted to Fondazione Cariplo with a request for funding.
Information material was distributed relating to our Association, as well as goods kindly provided by Dr and Mrs Porreca. Forest berries were personally collected and packaged by Drs Romina Casagrande and Cristina Villanova on the grounds of Azienda Agricola S. Francesco, belonging to the Porreca. However, the turnout was disappointing. Our Association’s information material, as well as goods kindly provided by the Porreca were distributed. The Settimo Milanese municipality offered space at the entrance to the Town Hall. This was a momentous meeting with the Authorities and with 30 other voluntary associations in Settimo Milanese, also with a view to the subsequent opening of the hostel ‘Comunità Alloggio Sole e Luna’. The hostel began to function on 4 September, after several requests and meetings to sort out the red tape relating to authorizations and agreements. The official opening was preceded by a number of meetings to plan the event, involving the local Council and voluntary associations. The Mayor and Aldermen made available human and financial resources, and recruited volunteers to facilitate the integration of people with autism using Comunità Alloggio. The municipal offices hosted autism education workshops for about 30 volunteers, undeer the direction of Dr Lucio Moderato and his team. The President of ANGSA Lombardia attended the last evening to represent the Association, and as a parent. Promotional ANGSA Lombardia postcards, planned for this event, were distributed during the opening on 2 December. An exhibition was staged of drawings by young people with autism, who are children of our members. A station publicizing our Association was set up on 3 December, exhibiting educational material and items provided by Dr and Mrs Porreca.
Project applications were submitted to Milan Province, the Chamber of Commerce and the Cariplo Foundation.
Other events: This Day, designed for autism care professionals and extended to the whole of Lombardy, with a view to initiating permanent in-service training schemes, was promoted by our Association in cooperation with A.O. San Paolo and other Centers, and was coordinated by Professor Guerrini. Other civic authorities were also involved. Subsequent to other meetings, the Coordinamento Regionale dei Poli per l’Autismo submitted a Project for in-service training to Milan Provincial authorities, with a view to obtaining funding. The training scheme will focus on communication strategies. The beneficiaries will be the care professionals in the various Centers.
Lombardy Region’s research project ‘Families challenged by Autism’: this survey involved about 300 families who provided interesting details helpful in defining their needs. Our Association continued to cooperate with the Regional Unit in the processing of the data collected. We attended a meeting of Lombardy Region’s Health Department concerning planning and child neuropsychiatry, to draft a document according to the guidelines for child neuropsychiatry. The document comprises a study of the challenges of Autism. Autism Project Centro Koinonia in Bergamo: Our Association was represented by Dr Lucio Moderato who promoted Autism services in the area with a view to our active collaboration in the promotion of other projects, including training schemes. Projects of Cooperativa Sociale Il Germoglio in Cassina de’ Pecchi, near Milan: we attended a meeting with a view to promoting an area network of Autism-related services. Support for Cooperativa Sociale Spazio Aperto Servizi in Milan, with a view to promoting a training scheme for mutual self-help for parents, funded by Lombardy Region. We joined the ‘Vita Indipendente’, consortium, representing a Regional working group, with a view to obtaining funding to support social self-sufficiency. ‘Spazio Autismo’ in Cascina Bianca: our cooperation was instrumental in opening a Day Center (CDD) for people with Autism in early 2006.
We took part in LEDHA initiatives and meetings (LEDHA = Federation for the Rights of the Disabled): the increase in the number of proposals meant that all our members were involved, by way of participation in specialist working groups dealing with various initiatives. We attended Milan Municipality’s ‘Disabled Working Group’. There are new rules concerning services. Top of page |
2007 | End-of-year Report: Poli per l’Autismo: further meetings took place, with a view to improving autism-related services and the promotion of a training course, funded by Milan Province and open to other Centres, which will terminate in 2008. Our Association was represented at each of these meetings, in order to highlight the needs of families. Lombardy Region:
a working group on ‘High-maintenance disorders’, which included issues relating to Autism; a working group convened to draft a report on the organization of Child Neuropsychiatry services. Our guidelines for Autism were included in the document.
We attended a round table on ‘Families and Autism’, and collaborated with a research program, funded by the national Department of Health. The results of the research program were submitted during the May 2007 conference, following which it was announced that a competition would be advertised, with a view to financing the best project for the needs of autistic subjects from early childhood to adulthood. Meetings took place with the Chief Executive Officer, dottor Fazzone, to finalize initiatives following the May conference.
At the end of 2007, ANGSA Lombardia promoted the setting-up of a working group comprising the representatives of Coordinamento Poli Sperimentali per l’Autismo, with a view to drawing up proposals for the creation of innovative personalized paths, and a network of services in pursuit of the Global Lifestyle Project, opening a chance of tendering for the regional competition. We briefed Alderwoman De Albertis (who has since resigned) on the problems of Autism and Progetto Filippide, on the training of sprinting coaches for autistic subjects.
Fondazione Istituto Sacra Famiglia to set up a course for health professionals; Associazione Paolo Pini to set up a training program for volunteers; Associazione Amici del Campus Bio medico with a view to updating and implementing Progetto Autismo to be carried out in Via Rucellai. Furthermore, we attended a fund-raising dinner; ANGSA ONLUS, hosting two meetings of the national executive in April and December.
A conference, sponsored by DAMA – A.O. S. Paolo, to assess the efficiency of the DAMA (Disabled Advanced Medical Assistance) service. A day of reflection on ‘Autism: a riddle?’, sponsored by Istituto Erasmo da Rotterdam (covering the municipalities of Cinisello Balsamo, Sesto San Giovanni and Cologno Monzese), open to teachers and health professionals. Meetings with Socio-educational Services in Cassina de’ Pecchi and Rozzano, to set up services for autistic subjects. Meetings with Coop. Soc. Spazio Aperto Servizi in Milan, with a view to mutual self-help training for parents, funded by Lombardy Region. A conference at IULM University on 29 November, on the theme ‘Listen, inform, raise awareness, network’, sponsored by Coop. Soc. Cascina Bianca, and a talk on the vital importance of the autistic lifestyle project. Meetings of LEDHA on the following themes:
Autism projects initiated by the association Musicopoli Città delle Arti. Individual projects for respite and leisure for autistic subjects, submitted for funding by various Milan cooperatives (I Percorsi, Spazio Aperto Servizi, Cascina Bianca) pursuant to Legge 162. Project FRATELLO SOLE for a horseriding school, situated within the Parco Agricolo. The project was endorsed by Milan Province. We attended some of the meetings devoted to its implementation.
The end of the year saw our affiliation to Autismo Italia onlus. The Association’s Officers were elected during the general assembly on 1 December 2007.
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2008 | End-of-year Report: We were responsible for the following initiatives relating to our ‘Project Life’ for all ages: A project for decisive behavioral intervention (ABA) to support pre-school and school-age children. We mounted an ABA course for parents, run by Professor Truzoli, and provided support for the Parents’ ABA Committee. We reactivated the Autism School Network project and our School Group. Poli per l’autismo: we continued to collaborate with this association for the implementation of in-service training courses, funded by the Province of Milan. These courses were also made available in other centers. Induction sessions for parents will follow in April 2009. Project Filippide: on 15 June, in response to the initiative I Giorni della Salute (Days of Health) promoted by Milan Municipality, ANGSA Lombardia held a conference to launch the project. The conference was attended by delegates from Lombardy Region, Milan Province and Milan Municipality. A number of public, private and sporting authorities also participated. A hands-on session for sports operators, who will be to-hand during the training of patients with Autism, was held in mid-December. The session was funded by Milan Province and was run with the collaboration of the Sporting Association Giovani per i Giovani, the Cooperative I Percorsi – ANFFAS, and the Management of the sports complex Forza e Coraggio. We collaborated with: The Department for Families and Community Relations of Lombardy Region to lobby in relation to the Autism Competition, and attended a meeeting on March 19 to officially launch the Competition and the conditions for entering; Milan Province, with a view to promoting experimental workshops for patients with Autism; The Health Department of Milan Municipality in the following initiatives: on 2 December, the President of ANGSA Lombardia and Councillor Baldi met with the Alderman for Health Services of Milan Municipality, Dr Landi di Chiavenna, and the Services Manager, Dr Pron, in order to submit the following high priority requests: promotion of ABA; Project Life for people with Autism; the revival of a working group, Gruppo tematico ‘Sindrome autistica’ (settore handicap e salute mentale), promoted by our association and made official on 18 February through a managerial resolution. A meeting was attended by a number of delegates from Milan Municipality, Poli per l’Autismo, the CDD (Day Centers for Disabled People), with a view to standardizing all Autism patient services on the basis of the principles of Project Life;
ASL Città di Milano (Local Health Office for the City of Milan): we attended a number of meetings with a view to collecting the necessary documentation relating to the Competition. ASL Città di Milano was placed sixth. ß ASL Milano 3 (overall winner) and ASL Milano 1 (3rd place). ANGSA Lombardia participated as partner in the projects submitted for Competition; Project S. Francesco in Corbetta: negotiations are in progress with the Mayor of Corbetta and Milan Province towards the creation of a complex for horse breeding, horse riding, farming, work experience and sport. Project Autismo Campus Bio medico of Via Rucellai: restructuring work is in progress on an international autism center; Project Cascina San Vincenzo in Concorezzo: an Autism project is being implemented; Cooperativa AIRIS in Concorezzo: we were involved in training sessions, and the implementation of a schools project; Cooperativa Amicizia in Codogno: this Cooperative has asked ANGSA Lombardia for support towards residential accommodation; Cooperativa G2 in Pregnana: a new Polo per l’Autismo has been set up, offering work experience and patient autonomy; Cooperativa Cascina Bianca: we collaborated in regard to the creation of children’s services and residential accommodation; Cooperativa Spazio Aperto Servizi: we achieved flexible facilities in relation to respite, leisure, residential accommodation, the promotion of training, and family-to-family support. Cooperativa PASO in Trezzo d’Adda; Associazione Koinonia in Bergamo: we assisted in the creation of a day center and residential accommodation; Centro Spazio Autismo in Bergamo: we met with Dr Marchesi and visited a number of Autism-related facilities; ATLHA in Milan: respite services, leisure, holidays etc.; Istituto Auxologico (Institute for the Study of Adolescent Development) in Milan (c/o Dr Bonati): we were involved in the creation of a diagnostic and assessment service for Autism; Casa di Gino in Lora, Como: we visited the facility with a view to setting up residential accommodation for autistic people; Associazione Paolo Pini: we were involved in a training course for Autism volunteers; GE.FI. Spa: a stand was allocated within the art and craft exhibition ‘L’artigiano in Fiera’, for the sale of products from the Cooperativa Agricola S. Francesco in Corbetta, with profits to go to our Association; LEDHA: we attended a number of focus meetings; Rotary Club: we were involved in an exhibition of drawings by persons with Autism in the former customs house in Piazza 5 Giornate in Milan, and attended a meeting for the promotion of Project KOALA. We also asked for assistance in the promotion of our Association; ICS Filzi in Via Ravenna, Milan, and delegates from San Paolo Hospital in Milan, to ensure the continuation of Autism facilities; Carrefour Spa: we had a number of meetings to launch a project for the promotion and public awareness of Autism.
We established contact with: Caritas, Fondazione Papa Giovanni XXIII, Associazione residenza di Albino (near Bergamo), Cooperativa Il Gabbiano, Fondazione De Marchi, Centro Benedetta d’Intino, Fondazione Manuli, Cooperativa Fabula Onlus. In particular, we went on-line with details of activities (events, courses, seminars, conferences) which had been solicited by a number of organizations, inside and outside Lombardy.
Focus meetings: Autism at the crossroads between genetics and immunity: today and tomorrow: a talk by Dr Antonello Persico, from the Molecular and Neurogenetic Psychiatry Laboratory in the Centro di Ricerca Universitaria Campus Bio-medico in Rome. Dr Persico discussed the findings of his team’s recent research work, achieved in collaboration with other specialist University research centers both in Italy and abroad. Significant advances have been made during the past few years; Autism and research: a talk by Dr M. Teresa Bonati, a specialist in medical genetics at the Istituto Auxologico Italiano (Institute for the Study of Adolescent Development); Dr Morciano guided us through the Centro Servizi Walden in Segrate. The Center, which was promoted by the Cooperativa Il Mosaico, is designed for the treatment of cognitive and behavioral disorders, in particular Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Tourette’s Syndrome and other developmental disorders.
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2009 | Highlights of the year: Main events: Carrefour promotion from 30 May to 2 June, in the Assago Shopping Precinct, involving ANGSA Lombardia flyers and the distribution of the Society’s brochure at the checkouts. This promotion was also publicized on the Carrefour website. The Carrefour Company donated €5,000. At the 24 October general meeting:
ANGSA Lombardia’s affiliation to Fondazione Oltre il Labirinto onlus was approved, under the heading Additional Founder. The Fondazione’s President is Dr Nerina Mirotti; A book by our member, Mariagrazia Magon was launched, under the title ‘L’autismo attraverso un’esperienza umana: Dio ci conosce con il nostro vero nome’ (‘Autism through a human experience: God knows our real name’). The book will not be marketed, and any donations will be forwarded to the Association.
Promotion of the Project ‘Progetto globale di vita’ Training: A meeting was held on 28 March at the Istituto Salesiano in Milan in memory of Dr Enrico Micheli, under the heading ‘AUTISM: MOVING TOWARDS A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE’. A book, ‘Il modello Superability’, by our member Dr Lucio Moderato, was launched. An in-service within the experimental project ‘Autistic Syndrome’ is continuing, in cooperation with Milan Province and under the aegis of ANGSA Lombardia together with Coordinamento Autismo. The following modules were held in the Sala Guicciardini in Milan Province’s offices:
2, 3, 23 & 24 April: a training course for parents combining theory and practice ‘PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF SKILLS WITHIN THE FAMILY ENVIRONMENT’ 8-9 May and 5-6 June, a course for health professionals ‘From self-realization to socialization. Educational steps to develop occupational skills, autonomous and leisure-related skill, and to manage behavioral issues’ A seminar on 7 May at the Liceo Artistico Caravaggio in Milan: ‘AUTISM AND SCHOOL, A life-long project’; A seminar on 20 June in Bresso: ‘AUTISM FOR LIFE, not against life’; A meeting on 10 October in the Great Hall of Acquario Civico in Milan, sponsored by Azienda Ospedaliera San Paolo and ANGSA Lombardia. The theme was ‘My friend is normal, but is autistic…’; A seminar on 7 November at the SCUOLA ITALO CALVINO in Cologno Monzese: ‘AUTISM AND SCHOOL: ONLY THOSE WHO DARE CAN FLY - A COMPARISON OF AUTISM-RELATED EXPERIENCES’
Projects: Progetto Filippide: a small group of young people were trained at the Campo Comunale, Settimo Milanese, during the first three months of the year. They then competed in the Stramilano race on 5 April.
Cooperation with sundry authorities and organizations: Lombardy Region: A meeting was held on 18 February with Dr Giulio Boscagli, Chair of the Committee for Family and Social Solidarity, with a view to promoting initiatives for the assistance of families in urgent need; A meeting was held on 8 June with Dr Luciano Bresciani, Chair of the Public Health Committee for the presentation of autism-related issues, in particular with particular regard to the first level of early childhood; A meeting was held on 17 June with Dr Cappi, member of the Committee for Family and Social Solidarity, with a view to updating current activities towards the implementation of Rete Autismo in the areas which won the competition, which was assessed by Gruppo IRCS;
Milan Municipality: Round table Autismo – Assessorato alla Salute: meetings took place on 15 January, 12 March, 4 May, 29 June and 9 November. The agenda concerned a questionnaire for the spread of services and a definition of a lifelong journey, and involved the ASL Città di Milano authority. A meeting was held on 15 September with the Public Health Committee, at which the project personnel was chosen, as well as the details for the execution and completion of the restructuring work on the Centro Internazionale per l’Autismo, within the project Autismo Campus Biomedico in Via Rucellai in Milan; A meeting took place on 30 October with the representatives of various Committees for the Zones of Milan for the purpose of coordinating, exchanging and identifying the situation in several areas and their needs and current resources. Meetings took place at ANFFAS with representatives of Regional Coordination groups, with a view to setting up an in-service training program within the experimental Project ‘Progetto Sperimentale Syndrome Autistica’ , with the cooperation of Dr Paolo Moderato of Parma University.
ANGSA Lombardia gave its support to: A meeting was held on 18 February with Dr Giulio Boscagli, Chair of the Committee for Family and Social Solidarity, with a view to promoting initiatives for the assistance of families in urgent need; Coop GP2 - Pregnana, towards its Contesto Project and towards the implementation of projects involving work schedules and patient autonomy; Coop. Cascina Bianca: cooperation towards the setting-up of services for infants and community accommodation; Fondazione De Marchi in Milan: a course in progressive communication; Musicopoli in Milan: our support towards several projects, and our participation in the June show; Project ‘Family by family’: Cascina San Vincenzo in Concorezzo. Signora Samantha Villa is in charge of the setting-up of a project on Autism;
ANGSA Lombardia was involved in the regional project ‘Rete Autismo’ within the ASL branches of Monza Brianza and ASL Milano 1. Cooperation with: Towards the implementation of flexible respite, leisure and accommodation services and also towards the promotion of training courses and mutual assistance for families. Participation in a seminar on ‘Autism, what’s the problem?’, to involve the Casoretto Community in the integration of young people with Autism.
LEDHA: we attended several single-issue meetings, where our representatives were Isabella Soldi and Adele Confalonieri. Anna Bovi attended a meeting on 15 December to draw up our new Rules; Rotary Club: for the purpose of involving all the provinces of Lombardy.
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2010 | Main events of the year: Volunteer Days: on 30 and 31 January, ANGSA Lombardia held a display at the Palazzo delle Stelline in Milan. A major event took place on 28 May in Milan. The event was organized by the Fondazione OIL with the cooperation of ANGSA Lombardia, and was attended by actor Maria Grazia Cucinotta as campaigner for Autism research. A concert was held in the evening at the Palazzina Liberty, in the presence of Giampaolo Landi di Chiavenna, Councillor for Health Services with the Milan Municipality.
Promotions and initiatives An in-service training program is continuing, within the “Autistic Syndrome Experimental Project”. The program is articulated into professional and family-oriented levels. The Province of Milan is cooperating with the project, which is promoted by ANGSA Lombardia and Coordinamento Autismo. The second Seminar on ‘Autism for life but not against Life - Educational Strategies’, promoted by ANGSA Lombardia, was held in Bresso on 5 June.
The International Congress of Autisme Europe on ‘What is the future for people with Autism?’, was held on 8-10 October in Catania, and included representatives form ANGSA-Lombardia. A seminar AUTISM AND SCHOOL: ‘Educational integration of autistic children with Autism of pre-school age’ was held on 16 October, with the participation of the relevant authorities (representatives of the Regional, Provincial and Municipal Councils in Milan), and of private organizations. Project Living: this project was promoted within the 28 May Event, details of which were subsequently forwarded to public and private agencies. Project Bando Rete Autismo: we attended several meetings of ASL1 and ASL Monza Brianza. Progetto Filippide: several letters requesting funding were forwarded to provincial councillors. Progetto INN: we attended several meetings with the Milan Municipality Councillor for Public Health, towards the promotion of the Project Global Living. Progetto Lavoro:
- we applied for European grants together with Coop. Cascina Bianca and Spazio Autismo Bergamo; - we held meetings with ENAIP to discuss a possible work experience for adolescents with Autism. Projects for leisure and holidays: - we held meetings with the President of Coop. Fabula to discuss several proposals for the sector childhood/adolescence; - we met with representatives of Coop. Duepuntiacapo of Paderno Dugnano. Cooperation with various agencies and organizations Lombardy Region(Office for Families): we attended a meeting for an update on the experiment Progetto Bando Rete Autismo (22 December; Municipality of Milan: we met with the Councillor for Health Services, Municipality of Milan, during his visit to the Centro per l’Autismo at 3, via Mancinelli. Municipality of Lainate:
- a concert was held, with proceeds going to ANGSA Lombardia (12 June); - a stall was opened at the San Rocco Fair (4-5 September). Other forms of cooperation by ANGSA Lombardia: we supported educator, member and advisor, Sr Antonio Rotundo, in the running of several training courses. Associazione TRIADE of Busto Arsizio: in January, this Association joined ANGSA Lombardia who supported several conferences and initiatives. Cooperativa Spazio Aperto Servizi, Milan: we supported several projects relating to specific Bills, and cooperated in the promotion of Progetto di vita. Cooperativa Amicizia, Codogno: we supported its request of accreditation of residential care. We also attended the 11 March event, which was also attended by the Regional President, Roberto Formigoni. PECS Course at Peschiera Borromeo on ‘How to improve communication in autistic spectrum disorders’: we agreed to sponsor the course and attended it (1 to 3 October). Casa dell’abilità in Milan: we attended its opening and a press conference on 4 October. Centro per l’autismo A.O. San Paolo in Milan: we attended the opening of a new Centre in via Ovada (8 October), and cooperated in the drafting of a message to the authorities in attendance, outlining the difficulties faced by people with Autism and their families. Centro Benedetta d’Intino in Milan: we attended the launch of a book, Pulce non c’è (10 November). Fondazione Sodalitas, Milan: we attended a meeting on ‘Work and disability: words and deeds’ (3 December). Fondazione Mondadori, Milan: we met with Dott.ssa Cristina Mondadori in order to flag possible forms of cooperation. Fondazione Umano Progresso, Milan: we met with its representative, Dott.ssa Cinzia Abbondio, on 15 December, in order to promote a project, Progetto di Vita.
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