This book comes out of the experience of the Italian Association for People with Down Syndrome’s (AIPD) programmes for developing independence and supporting job placement. It is aimed primarily at young people with intellectual disabilities but also, more generally, at anyone who might benefit from learning to recognise and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Through images, practical examples, and easy-to-read language, the main characters take readers on a journey to discover good habits to follow (and bad ones to avoid) to stay well both physically and mentally. For example, it explains the key concepts of proper nutrition (food pyramid, balanced portions, types of food and preparation methods) and provides simple recipes to try independently, helping readers learn to cook and eat healthily.

The book also offers tips and ideas for increasing physical activity and includes easy exercises to do at home or in the park, with a downloadable video available via QR code to improve one’s physical fitness.

Workshops for autonomy
The book belongs to the series “Workshops for autonomy” edited by the AIPD. Each book offers material, activities and exercises for teaching the basics of autonomy to children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities. All the books, which are written using easy-to-understand language and are colour illustrated, come with a handy guide for educators and parents. As Anna Contardi affirms «We have been working at improving people’s autonomy for 25 years. We have achieved excellent results. For example, we have managed to teach youngsters with serious intellectual disabilities, who are unable to read or write, to take public transport, handle money, take care of their personal hygiene, do housework and cook».