[Psychological-educational intervention for autistic children]

A "TEACCH" experience conducted in Lyon, France, with autistic children within the framework of an infant-juvenile psychiatric intersectory is described here: the proposal for an individualized educational project stems from the developmental possibilities of each child; taking children into care is inspired by Schopler's proposals: in a structured environment the child is placed in an educational setting; alternatives to verbal communication are also proposed to the children, who for the most part are non verbal. At the same time, work with families is put into place: it consists of support in the taking in charge by the parents on a daily basis of the handicap of the child: a broad place is given to the harmonization of help to the child in his different life contexts. Contribution and limits of this work are also discussed: the child's capacity to relax, the improvement of his relational capacities and his autonomy are noteworthy; restoration of quality of life and relation with families is clear; the child's mental deficit is obviously a limiting factor.