On April 4, 2026 the FIDE Infinite Chess project hosted “An Atypical Day”, an online event dedicated to International Autism Awareness Day. What unfolded was more than a talk – it was a global moment of listening, learning, and genuine human connection.
Participants from 35 countries around the world gathered virtually to step beyond the 64 squares and into the real lives of families living with autism. Through personal stories, expert insight, and an open Q&A, the event delivered on its promise: to shift perspectives, one move at a time.
The event opened with three powerful voices from the FIDE community:
- Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board and supervisor of the Infinite Chess project
- Anastasia Sorokina, FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess and project leader of Infinite Chess
- Andre Vougtlin, Chair of the FIDE Social Commission
Together, they set the tone for an afternoon of empathy and education, emphasizing that chess is not just a game of logic but a universal language that can embrace every mind – especially those who experience the world differently.
To provide professional grounding, Gulzhanar Nurlanovna – Defectologist, Master of Special Pedagogy, Sensory Therapist, and Head of the Psychological and Pedagogical Correction Office No. 5 under the Akimat of Astana – shared her expertise. She helped attendees understand what an “atypical day” truly means for families navigating autism: the unspoken challenges from morning to night, the small victories, and the constant adaptation required in a world not always designed for neurodivergent individuals.
Her compassionate, evidence-based perspective bridged the gap between personal experience and professional understanding – a theme that would run throughout the entire event.
The heart of “An Atypical Day” belonged to the parents and family members who courageously shared their stories. Each account was unique, yet together they painted a universal portrait of love, struggle, resilience, and hope.
💙 Rosalia Pillay (South Africa) – was speaking about her son, Thavanesh Pillay and his journey to chess
💙 Prisca Ephater Lema (Tanzania) – CEO of the Iyanna Foundation, shared the experiences of being the aunt to her 12-year-old nephew and 13-year-old niece with autism
💙 Rustam Kairbekov (Kazakhstan) – International Master, International Chess Arbiter, and founder of the chess school “BM-CHESS” spkoke on his students and their life changing choice to play chess
💙 Joseph Larmie (Ghana) – described the students of the Autism Awareness Care & Training Center and their every small but such important step forward
💙 Shanti Limbu (Nepal) – highlighted the day of her son Adarsh Rai and his impressive progress in life thanks to chess
These speakers did not just inform – they invited the audience into their kitchens, their daily routines, their moments of breakthrough and burnout. Attendees heard, often for the first time, what life looks like beyond a diagnosis.
A central question guided the dialogue: How have lives changed since joining the Infinite Chess family? For many families, chess has become a structured, logical, yet creative outlet – a safe space and a bridge to connection. The game’s clear rules and quiet focus offer a refuge from sensory overload, while its competitive but respectful nature builds social bridges at one’s own pace.
Following the personal testimonies, the floor opened for “Ask the Expert” – a live Q&A session with Gulzhanar Akhaeva and Infinite Chess project partners. Participants were invited to ask questions or share concerns in a supportive, judgment-free environment.
Questions ranged from practical strategies for daily routines to deeper reflections on inclusion, education, and the role of structured activities like chess in supporting neurodivergent individuals. The session reinforced that curiosity is not intrusive – it is the first step toward empathy.
“An Atypical Day” left attendees with three lasting takeaways:
✅ Autism is not a diagnosis to be managed – it is a daily journey of challenges, adaptations, and genuine joy. No two journeys look the same.
✅ Chess can be a bridge – a structured, predictable, yet creative space where individuals with autism can thrive, express themselves, and connect with others on their own terms.
✅ Inclusion happens when we listen to real voices, not just statistics or stereotypes. The parents and family members who spoke reminded everyone that behind every condition is a person – and behind every person is a family.
This was more than a one-time talk. “An Atypical Day” marked a continuing commitment from the FIDE Infinite Chess project: to build a chess community where every mind can thrive.
The event proved that when we shift our perspective – even slightly – we begin to see not limitations, but possibilities. Not differences, but strengths. Not what someone cannot do, but what they can achieve with the right support and understanding.
Together, we are proving that inclusion is not a goal – it is a practice. One move at a time.