An action plan has put in place to help the 25,000 to 35,000 people affected by autistic disorders in Wallonia, Walloon Health Minister Christie Morreale told Sudinfo on Monday.
"It is estimated that one person in 150 is affected by autism. Some studies even put the figure at one in 100. Between 25,000 and 35,000 people and their families are affected by autistic disorders in Wallonia," the Minister explained.
Support for families
A dedicated helpline will be launched at the end of October, creating a "single point of entry for families," Morreale stated.
A budget of €4 million will be allocated to renovating or building 31 establishments, while €3 million will be designated to strengthening "respite" services for families over three years. Additionally, "three times as much money will be allocated to partially subsidised services," such as small structures caring for people with disabilities and enabling them to live independently.
Some 100 new permanent places are expected to open up in facilities for people with autism. A new reference centre is to be set up in Namur, in addition to those in Liège and Mons. Two new child psychiatric centres will also be created in Charleroi and Libramont.
Support at work
The plan includes job coaches to support people with autism at work. Companies are also encouraged to adapt their working conditions to meet the needs of employees with autism, by giving them quiet, isolated offices rather than workspaces in noisy, open areas, for example.
