Feeling Safe: A Key for Autism¶

Monokyklo - Thessaloniki, Greece
Written by Eva Parlani

The Beginning¶

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The Monokyklo team introduced methods of Functional Juggling in Thessaloniki, with the primary goal of making circus arts accessible to people with disabilities. The team was composed of trainers with backgrounds in circus arts and specific training in Functional Juggling, gained through participation in international seminars and facilitator courses.

The project, titled “A Rolling Ball”, was designed as an integrated intervention at various Disability Daycare Centers (DDCs) in Thessaloniki. It aimed to offer a creative, inclusive space for expression through the language of juggling and movement.

As a facilitator with experience in circus workshops and having attended trainings in Thessaloniki, Budapest, and Milan, I entered the project with a deep desire to make circus arts accessible to all—free of exclusion or discrimination. My focus as team leader was on strengthening group dynamics and creating a safe, supportive environment in which participants could explore an unfamiliar activity with confidence and comfort.

A key component of the project was that we visited participants in their own environments, bringing all necessary materials with us. This approach, which allowed individuals to remain in familiar and protected spaces, proved essential in facilitating their early engagement and comfort with the activities. It became clear that respect for each participant’s rhythm and individuality, along with active collaboration with on-site educators, contributed significantly to the project’s success.

The Case of Nikolas¶

Among the many stories that emerged, Nikolas stood out. Nikolas, around ten years old, is on the autism spectrum. He experiences limited speech and expressive abilities and typically moves through space only with the support of a special education teacher. He was particularly sensitive to loud sounds and sudden movements, which made him cautious and hesitant during our initial sessions.

During our first two visits, Nikolas remained at a distance. He did not approach the props, and although we addressed him with openness and care, he did not respond to verbal interaction. His physical and emotional distance remained steady.

But something shifted during the third session. For the first time, Nikolas picked up the juggling balls, made eye contact, and accepted our presence. From that moment forward, a connection began to form. He started welcoming us with trust, helping to set up the space, trying new combinations, and returning to the props independently.

I believe we were able to offer Nikolas a non-threatening environment—a space where he could experiment, create, try, and even fail without fear of judgment. It was a safe space for self-expression and discovery, where his process could unfold at his own pace.

From that point on, Nikolas never missed a session. He remembered the combinations we practiced, tried new ones with enthusiasm, and increasingly showed independence in his exploration. Over time, he reduced reliance on his support teacher, and in a powerful moment of connection, began to share personal information with us—an act that signified deep trust.

Through this process, we witnessed a clear increase in Nikolas’s self-confidence, communication skills, and social openness. His journey is just one example of the transformative power of Functional Juggling, both for psycho-emotional growth and physical activation.

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Personal Reflection¶

This experience has been deeply transformative for me—not just professionally, but personally. I was able to apply a method I believe in, and at the same time, witness how circus can serve as a tool for inclusion, empowerment, and communication.

Being in daily contact with participants—their unique responses, their small or big victories—reminded me of the power in simplicity: the simplicity of movement, of play, of being present.

This process strengthened me as a trainer, as a facilitator, and as a human being. It reaffirmed my belief that art can be a bridge—a tool for access, for connection, and for solidarity.

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