«The more A.'s condition gets explained to the people around her, the more I can show them how to relate to her—and the less she ends up alone.» These words from A.'s mother, spoken when her daughter was three, capture what drives Una breccia nel muro. When A.'s parents received her autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, they couldn't imagine a future. A year later, they threw her a birthday party. An afternoon designed for every child: a map made of familiar images and symbols, a story, costumes for all the guests that marked difference as equal—right there with the other children in the park. A treasure hunt of white pizza and candy. Through that hunt, A. became the star of her own party. The other children played together, had fun, and learned how to talk with her. The same way A. learned it through the program at la Breccia.
Una breccia nel muro is a volunteer association; Una breccia nel muro – Servizi is a service cooperative. Two arms, one mission. The cooperative's therapists and supervisors teach children ages 18 months to 12 (and up to 18 through other services) to express preferences and needs, and to build social connections—using highly personalized programs based on behavioral analysis. The association delivers therapy through solidarity, using the cooperative's staff. Volunteers handle fundraising, service activities, and the project "With Others, Like Others": so that a child with autism can live alongside everyone else, and so families aren't left alone, afraid they'll never share ordinary experiences—like going to the cinema. Darkness, loud noise, sitting still for long stretches—each one risks triggering difficult behavior. La Breccia organizes screenings designed to fit: dimmed lights, lowered volume. If a child shouts or runs, it's expected. Parents can breathe.
Can a sport with frequent, intense physical contact—like rugby—really work for someone who avoids touch?
Can a sport with frequent, intense physical contact—like rugby—really work for someone who avoids touch?
Beyond training staff and families and researching better teaching methods, the association launches innovative, surprising inclusion projects. Take rugby: can a sport built on frequent, intense physical contact really work for children who often avoid it? Apparently yes. The focused work on individuals and teams builds progress in social relationships. Then there's golf, chess, days in the snow—all open to other children, siblings, friends, and classmates.
Since 2010, the association has worked on autism; the cooperative, since 2016. Both operate in Rome and Salerno, using scientifically recognized methods. They partner with universities and hospitals like Bambino Gesù, and with local social organizations, creating a network that supports families in financial hardship. Alberto Zuliani, the president, emphasizes in his talks that "you don't cure autism"—it's a condition. But you can improve quality of life for autistic people, build inclusion starting in school, and restore hope to families. Alice, a mother, puts it this way: "It matters to talk about what your reality actually is. Because paradoxically, if autism is 90% of your life, it's actually the smallest part you share with people you meet each day." Now do you see the crack in the wall?