Announced by Emmanuel Macron in 2020, the establishment was inaugurated on Tuesday. Some 700,000 people suffer from these disorders in France.
Par Olivier Hertel
© Olivier Hertel
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Iimpossible to pass by. The route is indicated as soon as you exit the metro, with very precise signage on the ground indicating the distance to be traveled to reach the entrance. Arrived in front of the House of Autism, nothing distinguishes this building with its modern architecture from those which surround it. Only an expert eye will notice, perhaps, the specific arrangements which, from the threshold, have been imagined to accommodate people suffering from autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in the best conditions.
READ ALSOAutism: the book of two mothersFirst there is this colorful awning, erected in front of the door and under which are a bench and a few chairs. “It’s a kind of transition zone between the outside and the inside. People can stop there, observe what is happening and take their time before deciding to enter. Or not,” explains Hela Daboussi, responsible for coordinating the project with the interministerial delegation for autism and neurodevelopmental disorders.
A zen coin
Same spirit in the lobby. A “Zen” corner, which closes with a curtain, has been fitted out to act as a refuge once inside. Like a landing, it serves to limit the stress that the discovery of this new environment could cause.
A little further on there are small wooden cabins, equipped with acoustic insulation, which again allow you to hide a little, in peace. “The whole building has been treated to reduce noise that could disturb autistic people. For example, there are specific tiles on the ceiling and foam suspensions everywhere, ”says Marie Schuster, director of the Île-de-France autism resource center (Craif).
Wandering around freely, the visitor comes across “The sensory space”, a room where it is possible to test all sorts of sensory stimulation tools. The goal is to evaluate them before acquiring them, whether for a center that takes care of autistic people or within a family. A lighted fiber optic curtain bars the entrance. “It provides a soothing visual stimulation for some autistic people”, assures Marie Schuster. latex to handle. In one corner of the room, there is even a funny little cocoon-like armchair.It is equipped with a remote control that allows you to inflate its walls at the level of the bust and upper legs. “This pressure on the body can also be soothing”, comments Marie Schuster. Several of these inflatable seats are also placed throughout the house.
A place at the service of parents and professionals
The House of Autism, inaugurated this Tuesday, April 11 by Geneviève Darrieussecq, Minister Delegate in charge of Disabled People, is intended to accommodate people affected by these disorders, but also their relatives and professionals. Moreover, a documentation center is available to families to guide them in their search for information or support. Rooms are also devoted to the training of caregivers and professionals.
READ ALSOGreta Thunberg: “I made autism a strength” The place is a sort of hub for autism. It occupies more than 1,400 square meters, spread over two floors. It hosts the teams of the national group of Autism Resource Centers, as well as those of the Île-de-France Autism Resource Center and Autism Info Service, the national autism hotline. The investment of 3.1 million euros comes largely from the State, which also funds operating costs, ie 1.6 million euros per year.
These investments are part of “the national strategy for autism and neurodevelopmental disorders” which, between 2018 and 2022, was endowed with 550 million euros. It should be renewed in June. As a reminder, autism spectrum disorders affect one in a hundred children at birth, that is approximately 7,500 babies each year. According to the High Authority for Health (HAS), there are 100,000 young people under 20 and 600,000 adults with autism in France.