At the beginning of last month, we observed World Autism Awareness Day. In Mauritius, among other institutions for the care of autism, the NGO Autisme Mauritius has been managing an Autism Diagnostic Service (SEDAM) since 2018, which is based at the Wellkin Hospital. The diagnosis is the first step in the care of autistic individuals.
According to Johan Balancy, who coordinates this service for Autisme Maurice, "for the months of March, April, and May, around fifty appointments have already been booked or are scheduled, whether for an initial assessment, a first appointment, or a follow-up appointment."
Since the beginning of the year, around 25 cases have been diagnosed positive by SEDAM, half of which are aged 3 to 5 years and the other half are aged 5 to 14 years. It should be noted that the earlier the diagnosis is made, the sooner appropriate care can begin, which ensures better outcomes for the child's development.
Autisme Maurice provides general recommendations to parents of newly diagnosed children through this service, and they are immediately referred to existing therapy centers, particularly at the NGO Autisme Maurice itself, as well as other organizations like APEIM or certain private schools that have specialized classes for autism or learning disabilities.