A Tennessee Mother Found a Haven for Her Autistic Son in an Italian Village
Lynnette Elser, formerly of Crossville, Tennessee, relocated to the small mountain village of Latronico, Italy, after witnessing a dramatic improvement in her five-year-old son Kenny’s health. Kenny, who has autism and previously suffered from chronic breathing problems and sleeplessness, began sleeping soundly and breathing easily after just one night in the village.
Latronico, located in Southern Italy and home to approximately 4,500 residents, offered a solution to challenges Elser faced in the United States. Before moving, Kenny had never slept through the night. Following the initial positive change, Elser decided to make the move permanent. 20 Minutes reported on the story.
Elser, a retired scientist, initially learned about Latronico through a program offering financial incentives to new residents. The village is actively seeking to revitalize its population and offers €20,000 (approximately $21,700 USD as of January 10, 2026) to individuals or families who choose to settle there. This initiative aims to combat the declining population common in many rural italian communities.
“On the first night, I knew I had made the right decision,” Elser stated, describing Kenny’s immediate improvement.
Latronico’s altitude and air quality are believed to be contributing factors to Kenny’s improved health. the village’s welcoming community and slower pace of life also appear to have had a positive impact on both kenny and his mother.