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Autism and somatic care: training to better support in the Indian Ocean

Autism Reunion

Autisme Réunion is an association of parents of autistic people that has been working for the recognition of autistic people in the department of Réunion for 34 years. Since 2016, it has been part of the Indian Ocean Autism Hub, along with other parent associations from the islands of the Indian Ocean (Autism Mauritius, Autism Rodrigues, Autism Seychelles and Autism Madagascar). The Hub's objectives are to have autism recognized as a specific disability in each country in order to benefit from budgetary and human resources with quality support; to ensure respect for the rights of people with autism; and to develop mutual support among the member associations of the Indian Ocean Autism Hub.

Context

Integrative approach to somatic care

The specific characteristics of autism spectrum disorders and the lack of training among healthcare and paramedical professionals in recognizing somatic suffering are factors that can delay the detection and management of potential somatic problems in autistic individuals. Led regionally by Autisme Réunion, founded in 1995, this project aims to improve the somatic health and quality of life of autistic people and their caregivers by training doctors and paramedical professionals in several Indian Ocean islands to better recognize somatic symptoms.

This project, focused on somatic care, is based on a strong partnership with the associations Autisme Madagascar, Autisme Maurice, Autisme Mayotte, as well as their respective Ministries of Health.

Countries: Madagascar, Mayotte, Mauritius, Rodrigues
Sector of intervention:
Health, Nutrition and Social Action
Guild Endowment: €66,898
Project cost: €83,622
Project leader: Autism Réunion

Funder(s):
• Coreom
• La Guilde
• The Fondation de France

Project objectives

Training doctors and paramedical professionals to identify somatic symptoms specific to autistic people
Promote a holistic and integrated approach to care
Strengthening medical and paramedical cooperation capacities across the Indian Ocean

Activities

Cross-disciplinary training in integrative somatic medicine
Sharing of practices among healthcare professionals
Regional workshops for the development of a common approach
Promoting the use of appropriate diagnostic tools

Direct beneficiaries

Doctors, paramedical professionals, and autistic people so that the latter can benefit from better care in several territories of the Indian Ocean

Expected results

Health professionals (general practitioners and specialists, paramedical professionals) better trained in the integrative approach to the care of autistic people in order to facilitate the care of autistic people received in their medical offices and in hospital settings.
Better access to care for autistic people
Creating a regional dynamic of cooperation in inclusive health

A dual support and funding mechanism for overseas civil society organizations, the CORÉOM program – Overseas Regional Cooperation – encourages regional and international cooperation dynamics among associations based in Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Mayotte, and Réunion. Financially supported by the French Development Agency (AFD) and the Fondation de France, CORÉOM is implemented by La Guilde, with a set of territorial networks and relay partners in the five territories.