AUTISM – THE EARLY SIGNS

A web documentary about early identification of the signs of autism

What are the signs of autism? How do you spot them and then what do you do?

This project is supported by the UEFA Foundation for Children which, in 2015, awarded its entire annual prize of CHF 1 million to the International Foundation of Applied Disability Research (FIRAH). Thanks to close collaboration with numerous partners, including national and international associations for autistic children and their families, and universities in various European countries, an initial project, ‘çATED pour tes dents’, was carried out in 2018. Now, the web documentary, ‘Autism – the early signs’ aims to teach parents, as well as health, education and early years professionals, to quickly spot the signs of autism in children from the age of 12 months and upwards.

Combining motion design and real-life images, this interactive film immerses the viewer in the life of two fictitious characters, Jules and Leïla, at three stages of their development: from 12 to 24 months at home, from 24 to 36 months in nursery and, finally, from 36 months in kindergarten.

The European web documentary ‘Autism – the early signs’ also presents the different perspectives of researchers, associations and professional experts in the field, as well as parents, through a mix of interviews, personal accounts and advice.

The documentary is available in French and English.

Between 1% and 2% of today’s population have autism. A tool for parents and early years professionals, the documentary is designed to inform them, raise their awareness of the signs that could lead to an early diagnosis and enable them to put in place measures to support the child’s development.

‘Autism – the early signs’ is a web documentary directed by Benjamin Laurent and Claire Martin and produced by FIRAH in collaboration with the association Autisme France and the Centre de Ressources Autisme Rhône-Alpes (Rhône-Alpes autism resources centre).

The web documentary is release on the 2 April to mark World Autism Awareness Day. (www.autisme-les-premiers-signes.org)