Successful inclusion thanks to UEMA, a schooling system from nursery school onwards “where we no longer distinguish one autistic child from another”

Àl’école maternelle Jean Ponsy, les enfants atteints de TSA partagent les activités de leurs camarades. Midi Libre – SYLVIE CAMBON

2024 marks the tenth anniversary of the creation of the UEMA units. The opportunity for René Revol, Mayor of Grabels, to look back on a system that has been making spectacular progress for young children in his town since 2018, in the presence of the ARS, the Maison du Handicap, the National Education and the Adages association. Of the 35 children welcomed, half have subsequently integrated regular classes.

The start of the school year marked ten years since the creation of the first Autism Nursery Teaching Units (UEMA). A schooling solution extended by the Autism Elementary Teaching Units (UEEA). These two teaching units are the same medical-social system for children with ASD (autism spectrum disorders), offering a framework adapted to their needs.

7 children per UEMA unit

The UEMA supports 7 children aged 3 to 6 who have little or no verbal communication. Toddlers are present at school for the same amount of time as other students in their age group, for the time devoted to learning and medical-social support.

If the project was able to see the light of day in 2018 in Grabels, as elsewhere, it is thanks to the help and support of the Regional Health Agency, the National Education, the Adages association and the Departmental House for Disabled People and the municipality. “Since its opening at the Jean Ponsy nursery school, the UEMA of Grabels has welcomed 35 children”, explains René Revol, mayor of the town, which is part of a “priority” disability action . “50% subsequently joined regular classes”.

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These units bring the medical-social sector into the school walls, through the front door. “These classes welcome children previously referred by the MDPH”, explains Murielle Kordylas, deputy director of the ARS Hérault, which is 100% funding the project. “National education provides a teacher”, adds Catherine Côme, academic director, who assures that “other units will continue to open”. And who is pleased not to have been able to “distinguish an autistic child from the others! Inclusion is successful”.

ARS funding

ARS funds up to €300,000 per year and per unit.“The ARS needs a manager like Adages to bring the project to life with a team made up of 2 educators, 2 medical-psychological assistants, a speech therapist, and a psychomotor therapist. 80% of the figure is dedicated to salaries. The child is supported by social security. We also pay a small fee of €6,000 per year for the premises at the town hall”, explains Christophe Fanguin, the project leader.

In children, ASD is diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 5. But a diagnosis from 18 months allows for earlier care that can help them in their development. This is the case of Aghiles, 7 years old, who joined the UEMA in Grabels in 2020 after his pediatrician suspected ASD. “His developments are exceptional!, testifies his father, enthusiastically.He plays, interacts with children and adults, knowing that he did not speak at all. He has developed verbal and physical language.”

When he left, three years later, Aghiles joined a CP in inclusion accompanied by an AESH, in a traditional sector school. Happy, content to go to school, he is invited by his friends or comes to play at home, “which was unimaginable. At the age of 2, we took steps to have him directed to this new unit, there were only two at the time. We had moved to Grabels before the diagnosis! It’s a chance.”

In Caissargues, “we’re proud to have them!”

Specific tools, structured routines and sensory spaces are used to meet needs.“The ceilings have been lowered, the windows are opaque, the lights are subdued, explains René Revol. Parents and children all accept the difference linked to disability. Children can share an activity in a UEMA class, and vice versa.”

Six other units exist in Hérault, in Mauguio, Carnon, Béziers, Marseillan, Sauvian and soon Lunel. In the academy, there are 13 in nursery school, 4 in elementary school and 4 self-regulation systems that aim to control emotions and behaviors.

In Caissargues, in the Gard, the system is a success. “We call it the Château class, explains the mayor Olivier Fabregoul. The children have been trained. When a child cries or hides in a corner, they are not offended. They tell him: it's not a problem, we'll play tomorrow! Today, they invite each other, share the same playground, snacks, rugby matches. They are friends. We are very proud to have them with us. The whole village is there participate!”.

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