Posted on 10/6/2012

Autism at the Geneva University Medical Centre (CMU)

A seminar organised by the Medico-Pedagogical Office (OMP) and the Geneva Autism Association, Autisme Genève, was held on February 4, 2012 at the Geneva University Medical Centre. The very large group of attendees was comprised mainly of parents, doctors, psychologists, speech therapists and other health and education professionals.

During this meeting, Professor Stephan Eliez, Medical Director-General of the Medico-Pedagogical Office presented the centre’s activities related to autism:

  • The autism training programme for professionals working at the Medico-Pedagogical
    centres within the OMP
  • The Autism Consultation Office (CCSA)
  • The Early Intervention Programme for children aged between 14 months and 4 years
  • The development of a software tool called “Vis à Vis” (‘face to face’) aimed at
    improving the socio-emotional skills of children aged 7 to 15 years

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Ms Marie-Jeanne Accietto, President of the association Autisme Genève presented her association’s activities and welcomed the cooperation with the Medico-Pedagogical Office.

Fondation Dora actively supports the OMP in two of its activities – the early intervention programme and the development of the “Vis à Vis” (‘face to face’) software tool – and also attended the seminar.

Dr D. Borenstein-Cognié, President of Fondation Dora, explained the reasons behind
this support:
"The early intervention programme led by Ms Hilary de Wilde Wood is a highly structured, innovative programme with proven results in very young children. The team of psychologists and caregivers is highly involved; I particularly liked the idea that there is one designated person for each child as well as the establishment of a partnership with the parents. We are also supporting the development of the “Vis à Vis” software programme led by Ms Bronwyn Glaser so that it may be made available to the general population in need (children, parents and professionals); I am convinced that this educational tool will be highly beneficial: it is much anticipated and will be able to help many children."