Italy and the United States are strengthening their cooperation on autism, bringing together institutions, specialists and organizations to develop practical models that can improve quality of life, independence and social inclusion.
The latest step came on September 10 in New York, where the Italian Trade Agency hosted the seminar “New Horizons for the Inclusion and Well-Being of People with Autism.” The initiative was promoted by Italy’s Minister for Disabilities Alessandra Locatelli in partnership with The Center for Discovery, a New York State organization specializing in services and innovative approaches for people with complex disabilities.
The collaboration builds on a memorandum of understanding signed in February 2026. Rather than simply comparing the 2 countries’ systems, the partnership is designed to identify successful practices that can be adapted and shared on both sides of the Atlantic.
Three major areas were at the center of the New York discussions: health and well-being, including nutrition and active lifestyles; specialized networks for people with complex behavioral needs; and employment inclusion, with greater emphasis on individual talents, autonomy and opportunities.
Participants included The Center for Discovery CEO Theresa Hamlin, Italian Consul General in New York Giuseppe Pastorelli and Italian Trade Commissioner Erica Di Giovancarlo.
The exchange comes as Italy continues to expand and assess its autism services. As of March 2026, the country’s national service map included 1,272 centers – 687 in Northern Italy, 267 in Central Italy and 318 in Southern Italy and the islands.
The Italy–U.S. partnership offers an opportunity to turn different experiences into shared solutions – creating models focused not only on assistance, but increasingly on independence, work, health and full participation in community life.
