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Published on: 02/04/2020Updated on: 02/04/2020
With an estimated 700,000 people with autism in France and nearly one in 50 children affected by this disability, managing these neurodevelopmental conditions remains debated at European and global levels. But what measures exist for better social integration of these children and their families? What experiments at the European level? What training? A look at an inspiring European project.
Autism in All Its Forms
Since Leo Kanner's 1943 work, our understanding of autism has expanded to recognize it as part of a broader spectrum (ASD). This developmental condition manifests through differences in behavior, learning, language, and emotional processing, typically becoming apparent during early childhood and continuing to shape development throughout life.[1]. An anomaly in establishing specific neural networks, medicine cannot yet detect ASD at birth. However, early diagnosis would significantly impact social integration for these energetic young people."In France, only 30% of children with autistic disorders attend preschool"[2] (source: early medical-social action center)
Special education teachers, support in specialized centers, and training for caregivers and home staff are essential resources for integrating children, adolescents, and adults with ASD. However, implementing these supports remains challenging due to various barriers - so what solutions can address these obstacles?
ChildIN: 1 Project, 4 Countries, 6 Partners
Recognizing the importance of social inclusion, Erasmus+ France Agency approved the ChildIN project in 2018, an ambitious project offering in-person and remote autism training for childcare providers and childminders. This project involves four countries (France, Belgium, Portugal, and Poland).
Its principle is consultation across four languages, four cultures, and six areas of expertise (six partners) regarding the inclusion of autistic children and the training of domestic professionals, childcare providers, and childminders.
For 2 years, IPERIA as project leader, Nièvre Departmental Council, Autism Europe, Techpal, APPDA, and Cooperativa Comenius... observed, studied, and analyzed childcare professionals' reactions to these dreamy children's sometimes disconcerting behavior. They highlighted skills required for quality care and created an adapted training pathway, to be tested by about 50 professionals. Toward disability support at all levels.
"Because hearing, learning, and understanding differences is the best way to embrace it and make it an asset."Too many professionals feel helpless when confronted with these children and young people who need support; training enables them to intervene and be actors in social inclusion.
A Full-Scale Test
For 3 months, 20 professionals in France will be trained in these new modules. French experiment results will be analyzed jointly with other participating countries to identify strengths and barriers to establishing such training.Learn more: visit the project's dedicated page
*Photo taken before confinement measures.
[2] Source: early medical-social action center (CAMS)
