Strong families are the bedrock of resilient communities, especially when facing the unique challenges that come with raising children with special needs. Recognizing this, Global Peace Women (GPW) continues its global mission to empower families as agents of peace, care, and social change. In Uruguay, this vision recently came to life through a meaningful workshop organized for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), offering both practical support and a message of hope.
Held on June 19, 2025, the workshop brought together concerned parents who are grappling with what they describe as a growing number of autism diagnoses in their communities. Although Uruguay lacks an official national census on autism, it is estimated that approximately 1 in 88 children may be on the spectrum. This equates to roughly 30,000 to 35,000 individuals nationwide, adding to the estimated 1% of the global population on the spectrum, according to data from the Autism Federation of Uruguay. These parents, united by shared experiences and concerns for their children’s futures, are now laying the groundwork for a nonprofit civil association that will provide long-term support for individuals with ASD.
The proposed center, envisioned as a daytime community hub, would accommodate up to ten individuals and offer multi-disciplinary rehabilitation services to improve the quality of life for people with autism. The workshop provided a valuable platform for dialogue, where legal expert Manuel Nion offered insights into the legal processes of establishing a nonprofit, while psychologists Gabriela Peinado and Nibia Pizzo, GPW Uruguay president, addressed the emotional and social aspects of supporting children with ASD.
Central to the discussion was the pivotal role of families in nurturing and advocating for children with autism. The psychologists emphasized that every family has the responsibility and the power to create an environment of dignity, stability, and love, which is especially vital for children on the spectrum. The session concluded with the distribution of GPW’s “Peace Begins in the Home” brochure, reinforcing the idea that peace, care, and understanding start within the family unit.
This initiative in Uruguay reflects how Global Peace Women’s efforts to strengthen families directly contribute to building more empowered and compassionate communities. It also complements the broader work of the Global Peace Foundation (GPF), which works across continents to promote universal principles, shared values, and innovative, community-driven solutions to today’s social challenges. By equipping parents with knowledge, legal tools, and emotional support, and by reinforcing the family as society’s first school of love and peace, GPW and GPF are empowering families to be at the heart of sustainable peacebuilding. As these families come together to support children with autism, they are not only advocating for their loved ones but becoming part of a global movement where strong families are recognized as essential to creating a world of dignity, opportunity, and peace for all.
