Child Neuropsychiatrists, Psychologists, and Developmental Neuro and Psychomotor Therapists from the Department of Human Neurosciences have been contributing their specialized expertise for many years to improve the quality of life of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.
The Diagnostic and Therapeutic Day Center, part of the Pediatric Neuropsychiatry Unit (UOC) of the AOU Policlinico Umberto I, has become a center of excellence in early diagnosis, in-depth diagnostic evaluation, and intensive small-group therapy for children and adolescents with ASD. It serves as a reference point for the city of Rome and the entire region, thanks also to the development of projects, events, and collaborations aimed at promoting genuine inclusion of children with ASD in local preschool settings.
In this context, a collaborative project was launched in 2015 with the Department of Educational and School Services of Roma Capitale, which is still active today. The project involved the temporary assignment of three nursery educators and six preschool teachers to the Day Center for a period of three years. During this time, they participated in group rehabilitation activities for preschool children with ASD, acquiring educational strategies that they later applied upon returning to their schools—enhancing the overall teaching body and supporting interaction among all children in the classroom.
Also in 2015, a screening project called “OSSERVIAMO 2015” was carried out, targeting approximately 10,000 children enrolled in the first year of preschool in Roma Capitale. The aim was to identify children aged 3–4 years with previously undiagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorders, thereby supporting families and schools in recognizing and referring such children to specialized services.
Following the model of group therapy developed at the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Day Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders of the Department of Human Neurosciences, several non-profit associations (ONLUS) have been established to offer rehabilitative and recreational activities for children and adolescents. Among the main ones:
- In 2013, the “Amici di Via dei Sabelli ONLUS” association (amiciviadeisabelli.org) was founded. Over the years, it has organized activities greatly appreciated by children and parents alike, such as “acquamica” (group psychomotor therapy in water), theatre workshops, circomotricity, and golf sessions.
- In 2018, the “Le Ali dei Pesci ONLUS” association (lealideipesci.it) was created. Every summer, it organizes a summer camp focused on socio-emotional development in a playful and stimulating environment for children with ASD—an initiative that proved especially valuable for families during the COVID-19 emergency. The association also promotes sports activities, such as basketball, recently hosted at the university sports facility in Tor di Quinto.
The Diagnostic and Therapeutic Day Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders of the Department of Human Neurosciences is located within the Giovanni Bollea Institute of Child Neuropsychiatry, Via dei Sabelli 108, Rome.
For information:
📞 Tel: 06 4997 2950
📧 Email: ambulatoriodhneurosviluppo@policlinicoumberto1.it
Center Coordinator: Dr. Carla Sogos, Child Neuropsychiatrist