On February 8, 2026, the Parents, Guardians, and Friends Association of People with Autism in Laconia, known as «Fasma Zois,» hosted its New Year’s cake-cutting ceremony at the “Esperides” estate in Molai. The event, which began at 5:30 PM, featured a blessing from the Reverend Father Panagiotis Legakis.
In a packed hall, the President, Margarita Spyridakou, delivered a brief welcome address. She expressed gratitude to the attendees and highlighted the association’s mission over its first year of operation: to support, empower, and advocate for individuals with autism and their families. During her speech, Spyridakou emphasized the importance of connection among members, stating, “Fasma Zois has brought us closer to share the experiences and challenges we each face.” She further acknowledged the collective effort required to drive their initiatives, reminding attendees that they are not alone in their endeavors.
Additionally, she outlined the association’s commitment to enhancing awareness and announced the establishment of a volunteer corps aimed at providing support and assistance in the near future. Spyridakou concluded her address by reiterating the organization’s primary goal: to create a care and activity space for individuals with autism. She articulated the necessity of such a facility, asserting, “We must ensure that they are not confined within four walls, and there is support available for them when we can no longer assist them ourselves.”
The evening concluded with a captivating lecture titled “Psychological Resilience as a Response to Burnout for Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum,” delivered by Iolanna Ismyrnioglou, a psychologist and psychotherapist with an MSc from the Athens Medical School.
This engaging event not only showcased the community’s commitment to fostering understanding and support for individuals with autism but also served as a platform for valuable discussions on mental health resilience among caregivers.
