It will be held on Wednesday 2 April 2025 from 9.30 to 13 in the Aula Magna “Gaetano Salvatore” of the School of Medicine and Surgery of the University Frederick II for World Autism Awareness Day the event “How Penguins Fly”.
The initiative takes its name from the multidisciplinary project of the same name that aims to promote knowledge on the topic of autism and enhance the possibilities of socio-communicative exchange between children with special needs and their peers. The main result of the project is an illustrated work that takes the reader on a journey through the perceptions and world of autistic people thanks to the synergy between design, scientific research and associations, and is proposed as an accessible tool to promote knowledge on autism.
The project was created by Rosanna Cianniello, Raffaella Marzocchi and Fiamma Puca as part of the Social Design Course – curated by Rosanna Veneziano, coordinator of the degree course of the Department of Architecture and Industrial Design of the University of Campania Vanvitelli – with the scientific collaboration of the Head of Child Neuropsychiatry of the Federico II University Hospital Carmela Bravaccio, full professor of Child Neuropsychiatry of the Department of Translational Medical Sciences of the University of Naples Federico II and of the child neuropsychiatrist Maria Pia Riccio, with the support of the Autism Aid ETS association and the patronage of the Campania Welfare ASP Foundation.
In Italy, one in 77 children between the ages of 7 and 9 has an autism spectrum disorder. Early diagnosis and an adequate educational-rehabilitation program have been shown to improve the quality of life of autistic people, promoting greater personal and social autonomy. Established in 2007 by the UN General Assembly, World Autism Awareness Day aims to promote inclusion and draw attention to the rights of people with autism spectrum disorders. This year's edition, characterized by the choice of the colored infinity symbol, is dedicated to the theme "celebrate differences" which encourages seeing each individual as unique, to celebrate the differences that autism brings with it.
The meeting will open with institutional greetings from the President of the School of Medicine and Surgery Federico II Giovanni Esposito; from the General Director of the AOU Federico II Giuseppe Longo; from the Delegate of the Rector for Disability of the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli Vasco D'Agnese; from the Delegate of the Rector for Disability, Director of the SinAPSi University Center of the Federico II University Maria Francesca Freda; from the Director of the Department of Architecture and Industrial Design of the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli Ornella Zerlenga; from the Director of the Department of Architecture of the Federico II University Maria Rosaria Santangelo.
Following the screening of a short video, a round table discussion will be conducted and moderated by Paolo Vassallo, President of Autism Aid ETS. Speakers will include Rosanna Veneziano, coordinator of the degree course at the Department of Architecture and Industrial Design at the University of Campania Vanvitelli; Rosalba Salvatore, communications manager at Autism Aid ETS; Antonio Marciano, President of the Campania Welfare ASP Foundation; and Rosanna Cianniello, PhD Student in Design for Made in Italy at the University of Campania Vanvitelli.
After a further short video introducing the topic, a second round table will be held, moderated by Paola Magri, Head of UOSD Planning, Development and Management of Corporate Projects at AOU Federico II.
Speakers include Antonio Santaniello, Professor of Infectious Diseases of Animals (Avian Pathology and Health Zooanthropology sector), Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production of the University Federico II; Chiara Cirillo, Professor of General Arboriculture and Tree Crops, Department of Agriculture of the University Federico II; Erminia Attaianese, Professor of Technological and Environmental Design of Architecture, Department of Architecture of the University Federico II; Alessandra Pagliano, Professor of Drawing, Department of Architecture, and Daniele de Pascale, PhD student Department of Architecture of the University Federico II; Tiziana Liccardo, support to the Director of the SinAPSi Center in psychological activities for students with disabilities and with Italian and foreign DSA, PhD Student Doctorate of National Interest in Public Administration Innovations for Disability and Social Inclusion of the University Federico II; Giovanna Gison, Professor at the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli (TNPEE Course) and the University of Campania Suor Orsola Benincasa (TFA Course); Bruna Fiola, President of the VI Commission for Education and Culture, Scientific Research, Social Policies, Campania Region.
Accompanying the event, “I monacielli”, the young people who participate in the Third Mission project of the same name aimed at promoting a model of social and work inclusion, will offer a welcome coffee to the participants.
Article published on 1 April 2025 - 19:05
The event seems very interesting and useful for autism awareness. I hope there will be good participation from families and schools, because it is important that everyone is informed about these issues.