Alt CampAlt EmpordàAlt PenedèsAlt UrgellAlta RibagorçaAnoiaAranBagesBaix CampBaix EbreBaix EmpordàBaix LlobregatBaix PenedèsBarcelonèsBerguedàCerdanyaConca de BarberàGarrafGarriguesGarrotxaGironèsLluçanèsMaresmeMoianèsMontsiàNogueraOsonaPallars JussàPallars SobiràPla d'UrgellPla de l'EstanyPrioratRibera d'EbreRipollèsSegarraSegriàSelvaSolsonèsTarragonèsTerra AltaUrgellVallès OccidentalVallès OrientalAlt CampAlt EmpordàAlt PenedèsAlt UrgellAlta RibagorçaAnoiaAranBagesBaix CampBaix EbreBaix EmpordàBaix LlobregatBaix PenedèsBarcelonèsBerguedàCerdanyaConca de BarberàGarrafGarriguesGarrotxaGironèsLluçanèsMaresmeMoianèsMontsiàNogueraOsonaPallars JussàPallars SobiràPla d'UrgellPla de l'EstanyPrioratRibera d'EbreRipollèsSegarraSegriàSelvaSolsonèsTarragonèsTerra AltaUrgellVallès OccidentalVallès Oriental
CA|ES|EN

Diari de Catalunya

Autism, 'the great abandoned': Call for a change of perspective beyond World Day

Professionals and families demand institutional support and real inclusion to overcome stigmas and lack of resources.

Generic image of a puzzle piece fitting into another, symbolizing inclusion.
IA

Generic image of a puzzle piece fitting into another, symbolizing inclusion.

On April 2, World Autism Awareness Day, a call is made for a change in perspective and more resources for people with autism and their families, who feel 'abandoned' by institutions.

The president of the Associació Supera't, Mònica Bellido, and psychologist Míriam Torre, both prominent voices in advocating for the rights of people with autism, have emphasized the need to go beyond mere annual commemoration. On the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day, celebrated on April 2, they have called on society to adopt a new vision of this neurodevelopmental condition.
“

"We will be inclusive when we don't have to read a manifesto every April 2nd."

Mònica Bellido and Míriam Torre · President of Associació Supera't and psychologist
Autism, understood as a neurodivergence rather than a defect, manifests in different ways of communicating and socializing. However, Dr. Torre insists that each case is unique and the spectrum is broad, rejecting generalizations that do not reflect the individual complexity of each person.
Ms. Bellido, mother of an autistic teenager, has described daily life as a 'constant struggle' and has denounced the lack of institutional support, labeling autism as 'the great abandoned'. She pointed out that families feel 'desperate and helpless' due to insufficient aid and professionals, with responsibility falling on entities like Associació Supera't.
Despite progress, stigmas persist. Dr. Torre criticized phrases like 'they've been diagnosed with ASD, but they don't seem like it,' which reveal myths and false beliefs. Inclusion, according to Bellido, should not be a label but a real coexistence that makes spaces accessible to everyone, as demonstrated by 'quiet times' at events like the Christmas Park or ExproReus.
The central event for World Autism Awareness Day in Reus will take place on Thursday, April 2, at 11 AM, on the second floor of La Fira Centre Comercial. The event, promoted by Associació Supera't and the shopping center, will include the talk 'There is no inclusion without accessibility. We offer kinder and more accessible shopping for everyone,' given by Mònica Bellido and Míriam Torre. The project 'La Fira, an accessible and inclusive shopping center for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and sensory hypersensitivity' will also be presented, with the participation of journalist Francesc Gras. The event will conclude with the reading of a manifesto and a parade with the Superadrac.

Related News