Fani Attard Rodoti, a devoted mother, has witnessed a remarkable transformation in her son Uriel, thanks to the dedicated care he receives at Santa Rosa, a home managed by HILA. Uriel, who has autism, has been a service user at HILA for four years, beginning his journey at Casa Apap Bologna before using the services at the new home in Mosta.

In a heartfelt interview with CareNet, Fani shared the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with autism. From a young age, she noticed certain behaviors in Uriel that reminded her of a relative with autism. This early recognition led to a proactive approach to seeking the best care and support for her son.

The most challenging period for the family came during the coronavirus pandemic. Fani had to stop working, and with her mother, who was a great help to Uriel, living with them, the household faced tremendous pressure. The restrictions imposed due to the pandemic were particularly hard on Uriel, who struggled to understand why he couldn’t go out and maintain his usual routine.

Faced with these difficulties, Fani and her family made the tough decision to have Uriel use the services offered by HILA. Initially, it was a heartbreaking choice, but over time, they realized it was the best decision for Uriel. At Santa Rosa, Uriel receives professional care tailored to his needs, enabling him to integrate with other children effectively. This social interaction has been crucial for his development, and he has made friends, showing significant improvements in various aspects of his life.

“Seeing Uriel happy and thriving at Santa Rosa has been a source of immense relief and joy for us,” Fani remarked. “It’s not easy for a mother to accept that her child is happy without being 100% under her care, but the support offered by HILA has helped me embrace this reality.”

The progress Uriel has made since moving to Santa Rosa has been astounding. He is not only happier but also more integrated into a community that understands and nurtures him. This transformation is a testament to the quality of care provided by HILA and the dedication of its staff.

For Fani, regular visits to Santa Rosa and weekly outings with Uriel are essential. These moments allow her to maintain a strong bond with her son, ensuring he continues to feel the love and support of his family. “We see that he is happy, and that makes us happy. He found himself at Santa Rosa,” Fani said, reflecting on the positive changes in Uriel’s life.