Pavle (19), the Only Young Man in Europe with Autism Winning Medals in Regular Competition

Pavle’s mother, Dragana Mirovic, spoke to Newsmax Balkans about Pavle’s diagnosis, as well as his indomitable will and Spartan spirit that drive him forward. She emphasized that the symptoms of autism were recognized at an early age, but that the disorder was formally diagnosed when he was eight.

"By the time he was about two and a half to three years old, it became clear that there was some problem in his development. The diagnosis is usually made after the early developmental period is over. Pavle was formally diagnosed with childhood autism at the age of eight," his mother said.

She added that accepting autism was very difficult for them as parents.

"It’s very hard when you have a child who seems perfectly healthy, and then you realize that his life won’t follow the course you expected. When parents first learn that something is wrong, they often turn to alternative methods and cling to the hope that it isn’t what it seems. As long as parents live in the expectation that things will change, it is extremely stressful," Dragana explained.

Foto: Privatna arhiva/Dragana Mirović

According to her, the turning point came when they accepted that Pavle was not like other children and that every small step for him was actually a great achievement.

"Once you accept the diagnosis, life turns around," Dragana emphasized.

Autism is often accompanied by hyperactivity. Since Pavle was extremely hyperactive, his parents found it natural to channel his energy into sports.

Foto: Privatna arhiva/Dragana Mirović

"As a child, Pavle loved to climb and run - he actually started running at nine months old. Sports were therefore a natural direction for him. It helped us because we wanted to calm him down at home and redirect his excess energy toward something productive, though at first we didn’t realize how talented he really was. Over time, we saw that he was very gifted," Mirovic said.

She added that they faced difficulties during the COVID-19 lockdown, when going outside after certain hours was prohibited, which was a major issue for Pavle’s hyperactivity.

Foto: Privatna arhiva/Dragana MirovićPavle i Dragana Mirović

"Parents managed to advocate for children with autism to be allowed outside even after the restricted hours. His father used to take him to Kosutnjak, where they ran together, and he soon noticed he couldn’t keep up with Pavle in a five-kilometer race," Dragana said.

She explained that Pavle has assistance on the track - he runs with Branko Hrnjaz, his ‘running partner’ during half-marathons.

"Pavle must have a companion so he doesn’t wander off. Within the New Belgrade Athletic League, they run at Usce - 10, 15, and 20 kilometers," Dragana noted.

On the running track, Dragana says, Pavle feels completely at home.

"It’s clear that it fulfills him and makes him happy, even though he’s nonverbal and can’t express it," his mother said, adding that she is extremely proud of her son.

"He’s truly a good and obedient child. He has his quirks, of course, but he’s a real Spartan. Once he starts running, he’ll run to exhaustion - even if he’s injured. His willpower is so strong that it overcomes his challenges with autism," Pavle’s mother emphasized.

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