What began as a small group of parents dreaming of a more inclusive world has grown into one of Italy’s most recognizable social inclusion projects. Founded by Nico Acampora, the father of an autistic child, PizzAut was created alongside autistic youth to show that meaningful employment and independence are not only possible but powerful.
The initiative formally became the PizzAut Onlus association with a mission to raise awareness about the employability of autistic people among institutions and the broader public. Pizza, chosen for its simplicity, accessibility, and cultural significance, became the vehicle for that message, with the goal of exporting not just an Italian food icon, but social inclusion itself.
The restaurants are run primarily by autistic teenagers, supported by some neurotypical staff, and are paired with an academy, a vocational training program tailored to each individual’s abilities and pace. The organization also works with schools and businesses to help create inclusive environments and employment pathways for autistic people.
Beyond work, their team focuses on autonomy. Through its Housing Autonomy Gyms, autistic young people learn skills needed to live independently, helping prevent futures limited to institutional care. In September 2025, the organization evolved into the PizzAut ETS Foundation, marking a new chapter in its growing impact.
So for these people, inclusion is not a future goal. It is something being built, slice by slice, right now.
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