At almost seven years old, Iakovos is a cheerful, affectionate, and gentle soul. He loves hugs, and his calm presence brightens the lives of those around him. But a short time ago, his parents were gripped with fear and uncertainty about his future.

Diagnosed with autism, Iakovos struggled deeply with communication and social connection. “He was like Mowgli from The Jungle Book,” his father, Lefteris, explains. “He had no social skills, completely isolated from his environment. He would hide in a corner. You could show him a picture of a cat, and he wouldn’t say ‘cat’—not even ‘meow.’ We were worried for what would become of him.”

It wasn’t until a family friend—also a parent of a child with autism—told them about SPARTA Autism that their path began to change. The friend shared their incredible experience with our program, and Iakovos’ mother decided to reach out.

Unlike other limited programs in Greece, where therapy is often done behind closed doors, SPARTA Autism brings training into the home. Parents are included every step of the way. “Before, we felt shut out of our own child’s progress,” his mother says. “Now, we learn alongside him. We are part of his growth.”

And the growth has been remarkable. Today, Iakovos comes home from school and joins in on daily chores. He clears his own plate, sits down for meals, and takes pride in his independence. Tasks that many of us take for granted—eating, cleaning, following a routine—are milestones for Iakovos and his family. Each one is a triumph.

The bond between Iakovos and his therapist is something his parents treasure. It is more than professional—it is personal. The care and one-on-one attention has helped Iakovos become more confident, more capable, and more connected with those around him. Even his younger sister has benefited, as the entire family has gained tools to understand Iakovos and support his journey.

His parents humbly answer when asked about their hopes: “We try to be realistic, focus on today, and hope for tomorrow. We don’t know if he’ll follow a curriculum or what career he’ll have. We want him to gain life skills. To stand on his own. To be loved and accepted in this world.”
That is what SPARTA Autism is making possible.

Due to budget cuts and loss of funding, we are at serious risk of shutting down this life-changing support. Families like Iakovos’—who are finally seeing hope—may lose the services they rely on.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps keep our Greece program alive. It helps children like Iakovos continue building a future full of possibility. It helps families hold on to the progress they’ve worked so hard to achieve. Help us continue providing life-changing support to children with autism and their families—here in Greece and around the world.