Locatelli: Italy and the United States compare approaches on autism to strengthen inclusion policies and practices

The seminar “New Horizons for the Inclusion and Wellbeing of Persons with Autism – Charting Common Courses: How the Best Experiences Between Italy and the United States Can Change the Daily Lives of Persons with Autism” was held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the headquarters of the Italian Trade Agency, 33 East 67th Street, New York.

The conference represents the final stage of a collaborative initiative promoted by the Minister for Disabilities, Alessandra Locatelli, and The Center for Discovery (TCFD) of New York State. Over the course of a year, experts from the Ministry for Disabilities and The Center for Discovery engaged in discussions to examine experiences, competencies, and models of interaction in order to strengthen policies and best practices in favor of persons with autism spectrum disorder and their families.

“This conference, together with all the work carried out jointly with TCFD over these months, provided an opportunity to present the main emerging themes to the public, just as was done during the conference held in Turin on February 25 following the visit to Italy by representatives of the New York Center,” explained Minister Alessandra Locatelli. “I am convinced that together we can make a concrete contribution to improving the quality of life for persons with autism.”

During the initiative, three panel sessions—“Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyles”, “Looking Beyond Behavioral Challenges”, and “Workplace Inclusion Meets Talent”—addressed several crucial dimensions affecting the quality of life of persons with autism.

“We discussed health, wellbeing, complex behaviors, and employment,” added Minister Locatelli, “but above all, we spoke about people, their aspirations, their abilities, and the right of every individual to build their own life plan. Inclusion becomes real when we succeed in creating opportunities and when the talents of every person are recognized and valued, just as the Non-Profit Sector does in our country. It is on this foundation that Italy and the United States can continue working together, sharing knowledge and building new perspectives.”

Speakers at the meeting included Theresa Hamlin, CEO of The Center for Discovery, and Giuseppe Pastorelli, Consul General of Italy in New York.

The proceedings were introduced by Serafino Corti, Coordinator of the Technical Scientific Committee of the National Observatory on the Status of Persons with Disabilities, and Cesare Casella, Chief of DNA – Food and Farming. Speakers included: Kara Margolis, Professor of Molecular Pathobiology at NYU College of Dentistry, Departments of Cell Biology and Pediatrics; Jennifer Franck, Department Head of Culinary Arts – Nutrition, Health, and Research, The Center for Discovery; Keith Rico, Head of Training and Program Development, The Center for Discovery; Roberto Keller, Expert to Minister Locatelli; Natascia Brondino of the University of Pavia; Giovanni Miselli of Fondazione Sospiro; Johanna Lantz, Head of Psychology and Research, The Center for Discovery; Lee E. Wachtel, Medical Director, Neurobehavioral Unit, Kennedy Krieger Institute; Alyce Sherwood, Executive Director of Adult Residential and Day Programs, The Center for Discovery; Jillian Forman, Co-Founder, Executive Director, and President, Pawsability; Laura Delfino and Alberto Balestrazzi, SbrisolAut; Katia Mignogna, Arte e Libro Social Cooperative; and Giovanni Minucci and Germana Cola, Il Tulipano Social Cooperative.

At the conclusion of the event, a light lunch was held, hosted by Chef Fabrizio Facchini alongside the Italian associations L’Inchiostro and Openhouse, demonstrating how to invest in the skills and talents of every individual.