Speed

There is now a scientific consensus on the importance of early intervention in autism spectrum disorders. Most scientific studies in this field confirm the effectiveness of early interventions in improving skills and independence for autistic individuals.

As a result, once a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is made, an intervention plan should be implemented without delay.

Principles

It is essential to establish personalized support involving specialized professionals such as special education teachers, psychologists, and speech therapists. In addition, parents can benefit from training programs to better understand and support their child. In school settings, it is recommended to develop an individualized education plan to adapt teaching to the child’s specific needs. At the same time, access to rehabilitation services and medical care should be facilitated. Social inclusion is another key factor, encouraged through social activities and peer interactions. Finally, regular follow-up by healthcare professionals, along with participation in family support groups, helps ensure comprehensive and optimal support for the autistic person.

For families

For families in France, an important first step is reaching out to Autisme Info Service, a non-profit initiative dedicated to guiding families through their first experiences in meeting the challenges of autism.

Resources

In France, several resources are available to guide families in implementing appropriate support for a diagnosed individual :

• Maison de l’Autisme et Centres de Ressources Autisme (one per region) : these help save time in identifying available professionals.
• Autisme Info Service : a private, non-profit initiative supported by public authorities, providing resource staff available to the public by phone or email.

While support options vary around the world, most developed countries have deployed similar systems.