Every day, the figures concerning autism appear increasingly alarming.
There is much left to discover… Yet, it is already certain that autism represents a genuine public health challenge, which urgently needs to be addressed.
Today in France*: 1 in 100 births is affected by ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders). 8,000 autistic children are born each year, which represents 650,000 individuals affected according to recognized prevalences.
Partial and unsuitable support costs at least €2,500 per child per month, a financial burden mainly borne by the family. 80% of children do not have access to school due to a lack of suitable educational support.
The Council of Europe has condemned France for the 5th time (2004, 2007, 2008, 2012, and 2014) for not respecting the right of autistic individuals to receive an education under the European Social Charter.
It is easy to understand how families are often overwhelmed by the triple challenge: educational incapacity due to lack of training, the possibility of presence due to professional obligations, and insufficient financial resources.
The “Doméduc” Project:
Historically, social action has been entrusted to the associative sector; however, this sector is currently at an impasse.
In a context of significant deficit in institutional placements, the implementation of A.R.S. (Regional Health Agencies) in 2010 and the drastic reduction in budgets have greatly weakened associations that are entirely dependent on public funding. They can no longer fulfill their missions.
A social worker for nearly 20 years, specialized educator, and then service manager, Grégory Fidile embarked on creating an innovative and ambitious project: to develop a new model of social action to address unmet societal needs. To support families of children with disabilities and, in particular, those affected by autism, which requires very specific intervention.
Where he believes that “the State has failed by leaving part of society on the sidelines” he is betting on creating a Specialized Personal Assistance Service managed by a private law company in Nice.
As part of the Social and Solidarity Economy with dual accreditation as “Solidarity-Based Enterprise of Social Utility” and “assistance to disabled people,” the Home Support and Assistance Service (S.A.A.D.) [Doméduc](https://fr.ulule.com/domeduc/) is completely against the current social landscape.
This project also brings a breath of fresh air generating employment in a professional sector facing increasing difficulties. This service, which will be inaugurated between Nice and Saint Laurent du Var on January 1st (subject to approval), will be a prototype.
Indeed, this new breed of social entrepreneur aims to develop this offer at the departmental, regional, and then national levels: “it’s a truly ambitious national project to meet the needs of families.”
This innovative and ambitious initiative, which could profoundly change the social sector, is garnering interest from professionals, families, and the support of numerous organizations: CCI NCA, Réseau Initiative France and Initiative NCA, Caisse d’Épargne, ESIA PACA, Créa-Sol, etc.
