Integration of children with autism in extra-curricular activities

Fondation Dora supported the Autisme Genève association which, in partnership with Cap Loisirs, develops programmes to enable autistic children to get involved alongside "regular children" in extra-curricular activities. Fondation Dora also funds Cap Loisirs for the running of holiday centres for children with mental disabilities.

Every autistic child receives support from a counsellor, enabling the child to integrate into a group of 'regular' children. This specialised counsellor adapts the activities according to the abilities and needs of each child, providing support in play, and acts as a mediator with the other children, the support staff and the family.

These counsellors are trained and experienced as part of their commitment to Cap Loisirs (training at Arpih and life-long training in the field of integration) and also receive additional training from Autisme Genève (autism awareness course given by a psychologist specialised in autism).

Autisme Genève is a non-profit association founded by parents of children suffering from autism, Asperger syndrome, or any other autism spectrum disorder.  The Cap Loisirs foundation aims to promote the independence and integration of individuals with a mental disability, and to provide them with learning support in their free time.

Fondation Dora supported this programme for three years, from 2013 to 2015.