The presentation of the project ‘Beyond White with Chromotherapy’, made possible thanks to the collaboration between the ASUGI (healthcare services of the Trieste and Gorizia provinces), the University of Trieste and the Work Integration Service (SIIL) of the Municipality of Trieste, was held in the spaces of the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Odontostomatology of the Maggiore Hospital of Trieste.

At the end of the ‘Digital Illustration Techniques’ regional training course, four young people with autism spectrum disorders, selected for their creative talent, had the opportunity to participate in social inclusion internships, financed by the Municipality of Trieste, which took place between February 2023 and January 2024.

During this period, the four young people worked decorating the interior spaces of the Department with a series of paintings entitled ‘The Adventures of Peter Canine’, inspired by J. M. Barrie's famous character, Peter Pan, and reinterpreted in a comic strip story dealing with the theme of prevention and laughter being the best medicine.

The University of Trieste supported the initiative by producing and publishing a volume collecting all the panels created by the children. The publication, entitled ‘Le avventure di Peter Canin’ (The Adventures of Peter Canine), represents an important contribution to the promotion of social inclusion and the talent of the young people involved and is available free of charge on Le avventure di Peter Canin (in Italian)

The project not only spruced up the interior spaces of the department, but had a profound impact on the lives of the young participants, contributing to their personal and professional growth. The wall decorations and the book that was produced are now an asset appreciated by patients, healthcare staff and the community, offering a strong message on the importance of inclusion and creativity.