Sam's Story
Ten years ago, our family’s story changed forever when this beautiful boy, Sam, was born. He was the joy of our lives, our firstborn, and we were all beyond excited to welcome him into the world. His first two years were an absolute joy—filled with laughter, learning, and love.
It wasn’t until he was about three or four when we started to notice that his speech was a little delayed. At first, we thought it was something that would naturally improve, but after various tests and evaluations, and seeing how he was feeling a bit behind when he started nursery, we grew more concerned. Finally, after meeting with different specialists, Sam was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Hearing the diagnosis was a shock. We weren’t familiar with autism at all and genuinely didn’t know what to do. We were worried, confused, and completely unprepared for what lay ahead. It was a massive turning point in our lives. Personally, I made the decision to dedicate all my time to Sam. I put my career on hold because nothing was more important than making sure he got the support and care he needed.
Being new to the concept of autism, we had to learn a lot—and quickly. I even took a volunteering job working with other parents of children with special needs and autism, and eventually, that role became permanent. It wasn’t the career I had originally envisioned for myself, but it became my passion because I knew how important it was for Sam, and for families like ours, to get the right support.
Over the years, I’ve poured all my energy into learning everything I can about neurodiversity especially Autism, making sure Sam is understood, and that he has the tools to succeed.
However, despite Sam’s progress, we still face judgmental opinions and get all kinds of “advice” from people who don’t really understand what autism is or how it affects the person. But I’ve learned to focus on what truly matters, Sam’s happiness and growth.
Without the support we’ve received, I don’t believe Sam would have achieved the progress he has today. With continued guidance from myself and a growing understanding of his needs from those around him, especially his school and the relevant education authorities, I am confident that Sam will continue thriving as an individual.
I’ve witnessed first hand just how much Sam has developed, and it’s my belief that other children could achieve similar growth if they had the same access to support and resources. That’s why we are working on building this foundation—to ensure that other kids, with the help of parents, teachers, and health and education authorities, can receive the support they need to reach their own potential.
Sam’s journey has taught me so much, and I want to make sure that other children and families have the chance to thrive as we have, by accessing the right support at the right time.
Our Purpose
As the mother of two remarkable boys with autism, I have witnessed their extraordinary strength, resilience, and courage in navigating environments that are often not designed to accommodate their needs. Growing up in Albania, a developing country, I have become deeply aware of the significant gaps in awareness, resources, and understanding surrounding neurological conditions like autism. This lack of knowledge, coupled with the stigma often associated with the condition, prevents many families from openly sharing their experiences or seeking the crucial support they need.
In a society where families frequently hide their children out of shame or fear of judgment, I am dedicated to changing this narrative by raising awareness about autism. My mission is to improve the lives of families who face immense trauma while their children remain isolated, unsupported and overlooked by society.
This initiative is not about justifying my children’s behaviour to those who may not understand. Instead, it seeks to create a platform for education, fostering a deeper understanding of what autism truly means — its impact not only on the individual but also on the family and community. My ultimate goal is to establish a provision focused on increasing awareness, providing essential resources, and giving a voice to those who are too often silenced. Through this effort, I hope to empower families, offering them the support, understanding, and tools they need to advocate for their children’s rights and futures.
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Our UK Mission
Our UK mission is to become a vital part of the autism community by promoting awareness, fostering resourcefulness, and empowering families and individuals who face the unique challenges of life on the spectrum. We are committed to dedicating our time, along with our personal and professional expertise, to support and uplift every family’s journey, while unlocking the full potential of every child.
To further this mission, we will be organizing a series of impactful events, including fundraising initiatives, social media campaigns, and awareness-raising gatherings. A highlight of our efforts will be a Gala Evening in May/June 2025, with more details to come. Together, we aim to create a brighter future for families and individuals touched by autism.
Our Albania Mission
Our mission in Albania is quite complex as we’re spearheading an initiative to break the stigma around autism and provide much-needed support to individuals on the spectrum, who are often referred to as “people with different abilities.” Sadly, society in Albania can still be very harsh toward people on the spectrum, and the overall mindset needs a lot of change.
We’ve already identified key areas to focus our efforts, starting with nurseries and schools. We’ll be offering coaching and training to professionals, giving them the resources and basic skills needed to better support autistic individuals. We have a base in Durres, central Albania, and plan to expand to Dibra and Tirana in the next few months. These centres will be dedicated to helping parents and individuals on the spectrum, providing both personal and professional support, connecting them to programs and resources, and creating a safe space for them to express themselves.
We’ll also be approaching local authorities and the educational institutions to help us break the stigma for good, with the goal of achieving Empowerment Through Understanding, fostering a brighter future for children with autism and their families.
