by InTrieste
Italy’s National Social Security Institute (INPS) has launched a new reception and evaluation service in Trieste designed specifically for children with autism spectrum disorder, aiming to make medical assessments less stressful for young patients and their families.
The initiative was inaugurated Wednesday, March 11, at the provincial headquarters of INPS in Trieste. Officials present included regional director Marco De Sabbata, provincial director Maria Rita Lemme, and Vito Misciagna, coordinator of the institute’s legal medical centers.
Local authorities also attended the presentation, among them Trieste’s councillor for social policies, Massimo Tognolli; Margherita Paglino, president of the city’s Equal Opportunities Commission; and Riccardo Ledi, a member of the Fourth Municipal District council.
Under the new system, the INPS medical commission in Trieste will identify eligible cases based on codes assigned by certifying physicians and schedule medical evaluations during dedicated time slots. The aim is to provide a calmer environment for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder during the assessment process.
According to De Sabbata, the service reflects a broader effort by the institution to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations. He said the initiative is intended to support families facing the practical and emotional challenges associated with autism.
Lemme described the program as part of a wider set of initiatives developed in collaboration with local associations, including Io Tifo Sveva, Agmen, and Astro. The goal, she said, is to make families feel more comfortable during what can be a delicate moment for children undergoing medical evaluation.
Misciagna explained that the new service includes weekly sessions conducted by dedicated assessment teams. These evaluations are expected to take place within 30 days of the submission of the initial medical certificate.
The program is also connected to Italy’s ongoing disability reform trial, which began in 2025 and seeks to simplify procedures related to civil disability assessments. The reform aims to streamline the evaluation process, reduce repeated medical visits, and limit bureaucratic hurdles for families. As of March 1, the experimental phase has been extended to the provinces of Udine and Pordenone.
Tognolli welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important step toward providing more individualized and humane treatment for children with autism. He also emphasized the importance of cooperation among institutions in implementing the new disability framework.
Paglino said the service represents not only a sign of inclusion but also practical support for families dealing with the daily challenges associated with autism. Ledi noted that locating the service within the district provides a tangible benefit for local residents and reflects collaboration among different public institutions.
Officials added that the initiative complements other programs promoted by INPS, including the Portale Disabilità INPS, a digital platform offering information and access to services related to disability and civil invalidity; the project INPS in rete per l’inclusione, which works with the ANCI and third-sector organizations to expand access to social rights; and Home Care Premium, a national program providing integrated home-care assistance and support services to families.
With the launch of the new reception service, INPS officials said the institute intends to strengthen its efforts to make public services more accessible and inclusive for vulnerable groups.
