Paparelli a big name in this year’s Autism Speaks Canada Walk

by Anita Szabadi-Gottesman 

Watching her then 10-year-old son Giuseppe Paparelli excitedly jump on his bicycle two summers ago was yet another major milestone that mom Angela D’Amico and her husband Tommaso Paparelli were thrilled to witness. “

Giuseppe, now 12, just loves riding his bike – something we never thought that he would be able to do,” said D’Amico. “But he did it and continues to do so much more each and every day, every week and every year!” Giuseppe was diagnosed with autism at the age of three and a half when it became more and more apparent to his parents that he was not meeting many major developmental milestones. Listening to D’Amico beam about all her son has achieved so far, it is clear to see why Giuseppe was chosen not only as the Montreal Ambassador for this year’s Autism Speaks Canada annual fundraising walk but simultaneously as its National Walk Ambassador. 

“We have been a part of the walk since 2019, rallying family, friends and colleagues not only to raise much needed funds for continued research but getting the word out about autism to as large an audience as possible,” she said. 

Every day is a new day with a new challenge for the family, including Giuseppe’s younger brother Alessandro, who is nine. “We learn alongside Giuseppe and from his incredible team of occupational and physical therapists among other professionals and his teachers at Summit School,” said D’Amico. “We are truly blessed together with Giuseppe’s grandparents and extended family to feel that we are all working together. I am not a superhero. I rely on help from others.” 

D’Amico and her family are participating in the Autism Speaks Canada Walk because she says they want to make sure every autistic child receives all the help he needs. “There are many very difficult days that I am frustrated, that I feel I can’t do this anymore,” she shared. “Parents have to know that there are resources and so much to learn to better understand their autistic child. I never give up and neither should any parent of an autistic child.” 

Patience takes on a whole new meaning as many autistic children can present many challenges from physical, to intellectual and behavioural. “With Giuseppe as both Montreal and national ambassador, my goal is to truly get the word out to educate more and more people about autism. If they know more, they will understand more,” said D’Amico. The Paparelli family wants to show that above all else, there is always hope. “We are living what so many other families are living, and we are proving every day you must never give up!” she said.

This year’s Autism Speaks Canada Montreal walk will take place June 11. Join the Inspirations-EMSB walk team! For more information or to register: www.autismspeaks.ca.