Autism advocates demand better social support and inclusion

Families and advocates in Spain and Portugal are intensifying calls for better support and understanding of autism. The movement ‘Di Sí al Autismo’ has gathered over 26,400 supporters, highlighting a critical lack of practical protocols and professional resources in schools, hospitals, and workplaces.

Advocates emphasize that current societal structures often cater only to neurotypical individuals, leaving families concerned about the long-term independence and employment prospects of autistic adults. In response to these challenges, author and athlete Vanesa Almeida has released ‘No Somos el Problema. El Autismo sin Filtros’, a book born from her ‘8,000 sin barreras’ project. The work aims to provide rigorous information and foster social understanding, addressing the gap in perception among journalists, professionals, and the general public.