The sharp increase in the number of minors benefiting from AI with a diagnosis of autism in Switzerland is at the origin of a new research project. Its objective is to analyze the life paths and support measures of the children and adolescents concerned in order to create the basis of more targeted support.
The Federal Office of Social Insurance (OFAS) published a call for tenders on Monday. According to him, 12,481 children and adolescents with an autistic spectrum disorder benefited from at least one disability insurance measure (AI) last year in Switzerland.
This corresponds to an increase of 348% since 2015. By way of comparison, the population of the same age has only increased by 8% during the same period. Growth is particularly strong in minors benefiting from an impotence allowance (API): their number experienced a 506%increase.
At the same time, the Confederation and the Cantons have set up intensive early intervention centers (IPI) for children with infantile autism. The permanent legal basis will come into force in 2027.
Obtain comparative data
The confederation’s mandate aims at two main axes: on the one hand, obtain comparative data on children who meet the criteria for participation in an intensive early intervention, but which did not use it. These data will serve in the future as a reference for the evaluation of the effectiveness of IPI centers.
On the other hand, it is a question of studying all the life courses of young people with autistic spectrum disorders, from their school career and training to the support services received from cantons and AI, via their professional integration. The objective is to better understand what factors favor or hamper integration and an autonomous life.
The research program results are expected at the end of 2026.
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