We asked Marianna, Benedetta's sister, a few questions about her life.
When Benedetta is in a group, is it immediately obvious that she has disabilities?
«No, at first glance Benedetta looks like everyone else—her appearance is completely normal. Her behavior might spark some curiosity. It's only later that the real differences become clear».
Would you agree that her intellectual abilities are limited?
«Yes, essentially I would, though I think it's more accurate to say she has remained somewhat childlike in her thinking».
Would you say her practical intelligence is at a normal level?
«Possibly, in potential, yes. But she hasn't had the preparation she needed. Benedetta hasn't been challenged in that area the way she could have been».
Would you describe Benedetta as trusting and affectionate with the people around her?
«Yes, absolutely. She can't tell when someone is being false or has bad intentions, and that puts her at risk—especially since she's very lovely. Benedetta only rejects people who don't truly accept her, even if only deep down».
«It's wonderful riding toward La Stelletta on a motorcycle!»
«It's wonderful riding toward La Stelletta on a motorcycle!»Do you think Benedetta has an above-average sensitivity—that she can be hurt easily by a rude word or gesture and might withdraw into herself as a result?
«She does have great sensitivity, but she also has a sunny, strong temperament. She's always known the difference between herself and us siblings. School relationships weren't much of a problem for her either.
She joined a scout group in Rome with teenagers sixteen or seventeen years old. At first she was excited and went on a week-long camping trip. Then she realized she wasn't being taken seriously and quit, though it cost her».
Does she have moments of rebellion, anger, rage sometimes?
«Yes, it happens. Mostly anger when the differences between her and us become too obvious (especially with me, since we're almost the same age). She suffers from lack of independence.
My parents tend to protect her a lot, maybe treat her too much like a little girl, and Benedetta goes along with it, but it's painful for her. She gets aggressive especially with Mom when Mom makes decisions for her».
What activities, work, and fun does she enjoy most?
«Above all else, she loves communicating with others—I'd say it's essential to her. She listens to music and enjoys writing down her thoughts. For some time now she's been going to the workshop "La Stelletta," discovering what work means, and she's happy».
Why is she happy?
«Because of how she's welcomed there, because she's guided seriously and without pity, because the work suits her abilities, because she doesn't have to study, and because she's making real progress».
What kind of living situation do you think would be best for her future?
«I picture a family home with people who know how to welcome her, who respect who she is and where Benedetta could develop the personal connections she needs».
We often read that young people like Benedetta—with some disability and great sensitivity—can develop a sense of being inferior, incapable, judged negatively, and poorly tolerated by their peers.
In such cases they might withdraw, with serious consequences. Do you see that danger in her?
«I don't think it's realistic for Benedetta, because she's naturally positive and hopeful. I don't rule out that it could happen to someone else at the same level of disability, but with a different personality, history, or environment».
- Conducted by Tea Cabras, 1998
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