At the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, deputies experienced the world through the eyes of a child with autism—not through speeches, but via a direct, immersive experiment. Organizers invited them to navigate a sensory labyrinth simulating the daily challenges that individuals on the autism spectrum face.
The “SOS Autism” Association arranged the experiment for International Autism Awareness Day to turn empathy into action. Participants wore headphones, specialized glasses, and weights while exposed to intense auditory, visual, and tactile stimuli.
Overwhelming sounds, fragmented images, and seemingly simple tasks that became difficult gave deputies insight into how people with autism perceive their environment—more intensely and sometimes in ways that are hard to manage.
“In my 16 years as a father of a child with autism spectrum disorder, I can tell you the challenges are very significant. Yet, we still face gaps. The biggest challenge arises when the child reaches adulthood and services are lacking,” said Alexandru Iacub.
Aliona Dumitras, Executive Director of AO “SOS Autism,” emphasized that the initiative aimed to go beyond symbolism. “We don’t just want people to understand; we want them to feel it, so that through this perspective, we can advocate for public policies that these children truly need,” she stated.
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental condition that affects behavior, communication, and social interaction, with each individual experiencing the world in a unique way. International Autism Awareness Day, observed annually on April 2, promotes acceptance, inclusion, and respect for diversity.