Let's imagine for a moment asking ourselves a profound question that touches the very meaning of our existence: "What would you want your life to serve?". This seemingly simple question becomes particularly significant when we address it to those often considered voiceless in society: people with severe autism. Giovanni Miselli, from the Sospiro Hospital Institute Foundation, had the courage to ask it, reminding us that every human being, regardless of their abilities, has a purpose to fulfill.
Life Planning: A Fundamental Right
Recently, at the headquarters of the Italian Episcopal Conference in Rome, experts, educators, families, and practitioners discussed a crucial theme: individual life planning for people with disabilities. Legislative Decree 62 of 2024 put this concept into writing, but its practical implementation still represents a significant challenge. Roberto Speziale, president of Anffas, expressed clearly: "Life planning cannot be a variable: by treating it as such, we not only lose an extraordinary opportunity but violate a fundamental right."
The Christian Vision of the Person
Our faith offers us a valuable perspective on this topic. The Bible reminds us that every person is created in God's image. As the Psalmist writes:
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful" (Psalm 139:14 NIV).These words invite us to recognize the unique dignity of every individual, including those with severe autism. Pope Francis, who passed away in April 2025, often reminded us of the importance of building an inclusive society where no one is left behind. His successor, Pope León XIV, continues on this path, emphasizing the importance of concrete charity toward the most vulnerable.
From Standardized Services to Personalized Support
Giovanni Marino, president of Angsa, raised a central issue: without the multidisciplinary assessment units of healthcare providers, "life planning risks becoming a fallback project, pieced together from individual components." Existing services – residential facilities, clinics, day centers – "were created as modules, as standards, and must transform into individualized services." This isn't merely a technical matter but a profound difference: it's the distance between a path that accompanies and one that categorizes.
The Challenge of Individualization
Pedagogue Roberto Franchini, moderator of the meeting, chose to begin with the adjective "inevitable" in the event's title. In the complexity of level 3 autism, some key words – work, relationships, inclusion – "might not be fully attainable." This intellectual honesty is necessary to build realistic yet meaningful plans. Serafino Corti, from the National Disability Observatory Foundation, highlighted an unexpected alignment: Decree 62 and the 2025 autism guidelines from the Higher Institute of Health "are extraordinarily aligned." His summary is illuminating: "The regulation gives you the framework; the person tells you what to do; science tells you how to do it best."
The Biblical Perspective on Fragility
The Scriptures offer us numerous examples of how God works through human fragility. The apostle Paul writes:
"Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me" (2 Corinthians 12:9b NIV).This verse reminds us that God's strength is made perfect precisely in situations of weakness. In the Christian community, we are called to see people with autism not as "problems to be solved" but as valuable members of Christ's body, each with unique gifts to share.
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