SHPRESA XHAKLI

A medical doctor by profession, Shpresa Xhakli came to the United States in 1986. She had many plans for her future, but her world crumbled and her life changed forever when Arben, her son, was diagnosed with Autism. She made a promise to him and herself,that she was going to fight for him and others. Shpresa started the “United for Autism ”Foundation in Kosova, the first of it’s kind in the country. She has been quite active in pushing for what is now, a law in Kosova, to protect special needs children, she helped open the first school that addresses their needs and helps to raise awareness about this issue.