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Published on: 02/04/2024Updated on: 02/04/2024
April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day, an event with which we are actively involved, both in France and at the European level. Programs exist for adapted support and better social inclusion of children. IPERIA contributes to skill acquisition by early childhood professionals. Here are the explanations.
The need for specific support
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) represents between 0.9% and 1.2% of births, or approximately 7,500 babies each year*. The French High Authority of Health, therefore, estimates that approximately 100,000 young people under 20 and nearly 600,000 adults are autistic in France.
The field survey conducted in November-December 2019 by IPERIA revealed that parents of children with ASD encountered difficulties finding suitable childcare for their child. This is still relevant in 2024. Early childhood professionals, particularly childcare providers and childminders, are not always aware of autism. This leads to children not being understood, parents not being advised, and employees experiencing distress in certain work situations.
This disorder can manifest in varied ways, requiring adapted support and skills to help the child in daily activities, learning, development, autonomy, well-being, and safety. Knowing how to observe unusual development and behavioral signs in an undiagnosed child enables implementing support as early as possible for them and their families.
European-scale mobilization
Between 2018 and 2021, we were the lead partner, with 5 European partners, of the ChildIn project which enabled developing and testing training for home care of children with autism spectrum disorder, to support their integration and social inclusion in the European Union. This project was designated as an "example of good practice" by the Erasmus+ Agency. Using ChildIn, we developed and tested an initial training and assessment framework in France, enabling us to subsequently deploy a certificate to training organizations. Offering certification provided significant added value, made possible through European engagement.
A certifying training for ASD
This European-scale experience thus allowed us to design the certification: "Adapting home support for a child with autism spectrum disorder".
Supported by our partner, the University of Home Care Services, the training leading to this certification comprises 56 hours and consists of 4 modules:
- Collaborating with families and professionals to better support a child with ASD
- Promoting autonomy and well-being of a child with ASD
- Understanding ASD in children
- Communicating with a child with ASD
Candidates who pass the assessment (1 hour) at the end of the training receive a skills certificate. This certifying training is eligible for the skills development plan and the Personal Training Account (CPF).
Through training on supporting diagnosed children, professionals gain the expertise and interpersonal skills needed to understand ASD and its specific characteristics. They learn about the child's sensory and cognitive functioning and apply concrete strategies in daily activities to foster a sense of security and promote the child's growth.
Through training on supporting diagnosed children, professionals gain the expertise and interpersonal skills needed to understand ASD and its specific characteristics. They learn about the child's sensory and cognitive functioning and apply concrete strategies in daily activities to foster a sense of security and promote the child's growth.
* Source: Ministry of Labor, Health and Solidarity 2023
