Participant Testimonies – "Circle of Care: Parenting Special Journeys"
Project No. 2025-1-PL01-KA122-ADU-000314624
22-28 November 2025 | Iași, Romania
A powerful and inspiring part of the “Circle of Care: Parenting Special Journeys” project was the moment when participants openly shared their testimonies, personal stories, and lived experiences as parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental needs. These sharing sessions took place throughout the mobility period and became one of the most meaningful components of the programme.
During the activity days (22-28 November 2025), 3 participants reflected on their emotional journeys, the challenges they faced, and the strength they found in supporting their children. They described moments of fear, exhaustion, and uncertainty—but also spoke about resilience, hope, breakthroughs in communication, and the small victories that gave them motivation to continue.
Through facilitated group discussions, storytelling circles, and guided reflection activities, parents:
Shared real-life challenges related to behaviour management, communication difficulties, and the daily unpredictability of ASD.
Expressed feelings of isolation and how connecting with other parents helped them realise they were not alone.
Discussed the impact of stress, lack of support, and emotional burden on their families and personal well-being.
Celebrated progress and positive experiences, including improvements in their child’s skills, communication, or behaviour.
Highlighted the importance of empathy, community, and non-judgmental spaces where their voices could be heard.
These testimonies created a deep sense of trust, solidarity, and mutual understanding among participants. Hearing others’ experiences helped parents feel validated and supported. Many expressed that this was the first time they had the opportunity to speak freely about their struggles and strengths without fear of stigma or criticism.
In their testimonies, participants also reflected on the value of the project itself, explaining how:
the workshops helped them make sense of behaviours they previously did not understand,
the ABA-based strategies gave them concrete tools for daily life,
the digital resources opened new opportunities for communication and emotional regulation,
and the international environment provided a sense of belonging and empowerment.
For many, sharing testimonies was not only emotional but transformative. It strengthened their confidence, motivated them to continue learning, and encouraged them to support other parents in similar situations after returning home.
The collective sharing of experiences became a cornerstone of the “Circle of Care: Parenting Special Journeys” project, reinforcing the idea that no parent should walk their journey alone and reminding everyone that community care, empathy, and knowledge can make a profound difference.