Skopje turns a 13th birthday into a Day of Inclusion for Leon

The 13th birthday of Leon Apostolovski from Skopje turned into a public celebration of inclusion on 17 August, after more than a decade of quiet, often solitary observances.

Community, artists and institutions joined the family

Amela Memish Apostolovska, Leon’s mother and a well-known psychologist and author, shared moving messages of gratitude after the gathering in the City Park. She wrote that the date has changed their lives: “From yesterday, your birthday became the Day of Inclusion.”

In her post Amela described how, for years, birthday chairs remained empty and celebrations were private or absent. She celebrated that on this occasion Leon was surrounded by smiles, hugs and acceptance: “Yesterday we did not celebrate only a birthday. Yesterday we celebrated one child, a long struggle, a mother’s wish and a community that showed differences should not divide us but bring us together. Leon turned 13. After 10 years in which birthdays were most often spent alone, yesterday he was surrounded by people, children, smiles and the priceless feeling that Leon belongs.”

Several public figures, artists and ordinary citizens turned up to support the family. Singer Tamara Todevska attended the party and wrote: “There are no limits for a big heart — happy birthday Leon! May your birthday continue to gather all children and grow into a beautiful Skopje tradition.”

The family’s story is well known in North Macedonia. In 2019, after Amela’s prayer at the Ostrog Monastery, Leon experienced an important spiritual turning point. The family spent time at the monastery and, with the blessing of the Archimandrite, recorded a documentary about their spiritual journey and the mother’s prayer.

Amela continues to remind the public that autism is not a disability but another way of experiencing the world, and the large turnout on this 13th birthday she called proof that compassion and love still prevail.

Photo: Fejsbuk/ F. Levkovska, F. Nedelkovski