The Frassati's project

In March 2014, the Piedmont Region issued a specific Regional Government Decision (D.G.R.) regarding Pervasive Developmental Disorders (Regional Council Resolution of March 3, 2014, No. 22-7178). This Decision revealed the inability of the regional health service to meet the need for early and continuous treatment of minors with autism spectrum disorders. At the same time, this D.G.R. recognized a serious deficiency in the treatment and care of adults with this disorder. The P.G. Frassati cooperative manages a network of services for the disabled in the region, which includes minors and adults with various conditions, including those related to autism spectrum disorders. Since the regional analysis highlights the need to promote timely, intensive, and structured rehabilitation interventions that tailor psychoeducational approaches to individual needs and are based on scientifically validated methodologies, in collaboration with schools and families, the P.G. Frassati cooperative has decided to launch a research project aimed at designing and testing innovative treatment pathways for autism spectrum disorders. The experiment aims to analyze the interventions implemented in the cooperative's various services for disabled people and, through comparison with scientifically recognized models and best practices, expand specific knowledge regarding the treatment of minors and adults with autism spectrum disorders. The goal is to create operational and cultural conditions to develop new, effective, sustainable, and systemic solutions (organically involving all stakeholders: families, schools, professionals, social-welfare, and health services) to support the well-being, social integration, development, and individual skills of people with autism.