Autism Training: Using Simple Play for Effective Support | San Camillo, Turin
A two-day workshop focused on utilizing play as a therapeutic tool for individuals with autism spectrum disorder will be held in Turin, Italy, on April 17th and 18th. The course, organized by the San Camillo Health Facility, aims to equip educators, rehabilitators, and support staff with practical methodologies and materials to enhance the development of motor, cognitive, and social skills in autistic individuals of all ages.
The initiative stems from the experience of the VEGA service, a day hospital dedicated to autism spectrum disorders at San Camillo. The VEGA service integrates clinical, educational, and family-centered approaches, establishing itself as a key resource for professionals and institutions in the field. The service’s innovative approach recently garnered national attention when a representative was invited to present its perform to the Italian Senate, highlighting the effectiveness of accessible and low-cost therapeutic activities.
The workshop is grounded in the belief that play is not merely a recreational activity, but a fundamental educational tool. Participants will explore techniques to support the development of essential skills, adapting interventions to various settings, including schools, therapeutic environments, and family life. An interdisciplinary team with extensive experience in the field will lead the training, sharing operational tools and facilitating collaborative project work.
The program will unfold over two days. The first day will focus on structuring interventions and managing complex behaviors. The second day will combine theoretical sessions with hands-on laboratory work, allowing participants to design and experiment with different approaches. A final session will provide a platform for collective discussion, enabling participants to share experiences and build a network of shared expertise.
The course draws inspiration from the book “100 games and enabling activities for autism. Developing motor, cognitive and social skills” (Erickson, 2025), written by Dr. Valerio Trione, an educator from the VEGA service. The Fondazione TEDA per l’Autismo Onlus, based in Turin, is actively involved in supporting individuals with autism and their families through educational services and projects. The organization is hosting an event on April 2nd, coinciding with World Autism Awareness Day, titled “UNIVERSI INVERSI,” a collaborative journey between GAM, Gallerie d’Italia, and Fondazione TEDA. The ASL CN1 and ASL Città di Torino have recently launched a series of training courses on autism spectrum disorders in adolescence and adulthood, as part of the Ev.A. Project, funded by the Italian Ministry of Health.
San Camillo’s initiative underscores its commitment to specialized training and applied research, fostering dialogue between healthcare, education, and social services. Cascina Margherita in Turin will too host a course on ABA techniques for autism therapy on March 7th and 8th, 2026, at Centro Studio Sereno Regis.